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Top democrats want us house probe on medicare vote Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://www.forbes.com/markets/bonds/newswire/2003/12/08/rtr1173328.html http://www.forbes.com/markets/bonds/newswire/2003/12/08/rtr1173328.html Top Democrat wants US House probe on Medicare vote Reuters, 12.08.03, 3:22 PM ET By Thomas Ferraro WASHINGTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - A top Democrat on Monday urged the House of Representatives ethics committee to probe a Republican congressman's claim, which was later retracted, that bribes were offered to win passage of the Medicare prescription drug bill. "I think the ethics committee ought to investigate," said House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat. He did not formally request a probe but told reporters, the panel has "a responsibility when manifestly there has been raised an issue of this House's reputation and conduct." A spokesman for the ethics panel had no immediate comment. Rep. Nick Smith, a Michigan Republican who plans to retire in January 2005, said in statement shortly after the House narrowly passed the Medicare bill on Nov. 22 that "bribes and special deals were offered to convince members to vote yes." Smith, who voted no, cited offers of "extensive financial campaign support and endorsements" for his son, Brad Smith, who is running to replace him in Congress. Smith last week backed off the bribery claim as calls were made for a Justice Department investigation. "I want to make clear that no member of Congress made an offer of financial assistance for my son's campaign in exchange for my vote on the Medicare bill," he said in a statement. "I see no need for an ethics investigation, let alone a criminal investigation." Hoyer said what Smith initially alleged was a "crime, the buying of a vote" and he was not surprised Smith backed off. "Sometimes when we speak the truth in the heat of the moment, we think, 'Gee I wish I hadn't said that,'" said Hoyer. "Why? Because he may get some people in trouble, and he probably doesn't want to do that." House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a Texas Republican, dismissed questions about Smith, saying the congressman had already answered them. DeLay then went on the offensive, telling reporters to look into what he called threats by House Democratic leaders against any member who voted for the Medicare bill. Hoyer replied that while there was spirited debate about Medicare, "I didn't threaten anybody. Period." Copyright 2003, Reuters News Service

6 democratic candidates attack medicare measure { November 19 2003 } Aarp members burn cards Aarp spends 7m ad campaign supporting gop bill { November 19 2003 } Candidates take on aarp over drug bill Congressman bribed to pass medicare { November 27 2003 } Democrats threaten sue over medicare cost estimates Drug makers protect their turf { November 21 2003 } Drug plan faces enrollment challenge Drug prices for elderly climb 50 percent { July 1 2004 } FDA and states at odds over drugs { February 22 2004 } House probe medciare bribery allegation Medicare administrator withheld cost estimates for congress { September 8 2004 } Medicare costs kept secret Medicare drug benefit will cost more than reported { February 9 2005 } Medicare drug bill could be tough sell { November 17 2003 } Medicare drug cards produce confusion { July 29 2004 } Medicare drug cost estimate increases { January 30 2004 } Medicare reform bill is a disaser { November 28 2003 } Medicare secrecy inquiry is silenced { April 2 2004 } Medicare wont cover cancer drug costs { September 8 2004 } Medicares hidden bonanza { March 4 2004 } New drug benefits too complicated for seniors Nine dems back medicare bill Offered money to change vote { December 8 2003 } Some experts foresee revolt by elderly { November 26 2003 } Top democrats want us house probe on medicare vote US offers senior drug cards amid criticism { May 3 2004 } Files Listed: 27

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