Washington Week
Gannett News Service
WASHINGTON — Here are some actions in Congress last week.
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Key House votes
1. Medical savings accounts
On Thursday, the House passed, 237-191, an amendment to the Medicare bill that would create tax-free medical savings accounts. A "yea" vote was to adopt the plan.
Hawai'i votes: Neil Abercrombie (D) NAY; Ed Case (D) YEA
2. Medicare
On Friday, the House passed, 216-215, a bill that would create a prescription drug benefit under Medicare and overhaul the program for seniors and the disabled. A "yea" vote was to pass the bill.
Hawai'i votes: Neil Abercrombie (D) NAY; Ed Case (D) NAY
Key Senate votes
1. Medicare — benefits gap
On Tuesday, the Senate rejected, 54-42, an amendment to the Medicare bill that would eliminate a gap in benefits that would occur each year after drug costs reach $4,500 and before they hit $8,500. A "yea" vote was to reject the plan.
Hawai'i votes: Daniel Akaka (D) NAY; Dan Inouye (D) NAY
2. Medicare — retirement plans
On Tuesday, the Senate rejected, 52-43, an amendment to the Medicare bill aimed at encouraging employer retirement plans to continue drug coverage. A "yea" vote was to reject the plan.
Hawai'i votes: Daniel Akaka (D) NAY; Dan Inouye (D) NAY
3. Medicare — 2004 start
Also Tuesday, the Senate rejected, 54-41, an amendment to the Medicare bill that would begin drug coverage under the program in 2004, instead of 2006. A "yea" vote was to accept the plan.
Hawai'i votes: Daniel Akaka (D) YEA; Dan Inouye (D) YEA
4. Medicare — final passage
On Friday, the Senate passed, 76-21, a bill that would create a prescription drug benefit under Medicare and overhaul the program for seniors and the disabled. A "yea" vote was to pass the bill.
Hawai'i votes: Daniel Akaka (D) YEA; Dan Inouye (D) YEA
What's ahead: The House and Senate will take a week off for the July Fourth holiday. Congress returns the week of July 7.
