Washington Week
Gannett News Service
WASHINGTON — Here are key actions in Congress last week. The House was in recess.
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Key Senate votes:
1. Medicare prescription drug benefit
On Wednesday, the Senate rejected its fourth proposal of the year to provide prescription drug coverage to Medicare beneficiaries. The $390 billion plan would have covered prescription bills for the poorest Medicare enrollees and those with the highest drug costs.
Hawai'i votes: Daniel Akaka (D) YEA; Dan Inouye (D) YEA
2. Generic drugs and reimportation bill
The Senate voted 78-21 Wednesday to make it harder for manufacturers of brand-name drugs to ward off competition from cheaper generic versions once the manufacturers' patents have expired. The bill also would allow Americans to re-import U.S.-made drugs from Canada, where they are sold more cheaply.
Hawai'i votes: Daniel Akaka (D) YEA; Dan Inouye (D) YEA
3. Fast-track trade authority
The Senate voted 64-34 on Thursday to give the president the authority to make international trade deals that Congress cannot amend, but must approve or reject in their entirety.
Hawai'i votes: Daniel Akaka (D) Did not vote; Dan Inouye (D) NAY
