As a follow up to the 60 Minutes story concerning the heinous no-compete Medicare bill:

The Senate blocked legislation on Wednesday that would let the government negotiate Medicare drug prices. Democrats couldn't muster the 60 votes needed to bring the bill up for a vote.

Under the Medicare drug benefit, private insurance plans negotiate with drug makers over the price of medicine for their customers. About 22 million seniors and the disabled are enrolled in such plans. Some lawmakers, mostly Democrats, contend the government could use its leverage to drive a better bargain than individual insurers, which would lower the cost of the program for taxpayers and seniors.

Thanks to Republicans, taxpayers will now miss out on $190 billion in savings over the next ten years. Screw the citizen, embrace the corporation.