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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, June 29, 2003

Washington Week

Gannett News Service

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WASHINGTON — Here are some actions in Congress last week.

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.