Senate leaders fail to take timely action

To the editor:

I am disappointed by the U.S. Senate Democrats' lack of leadership and continued record of inaction. Important bills passed by the House are trapped in the Senate. First and foremost is the Senate's failure to pass a prescription-drug benefit for America's seniors. The president provided a plan for prescription drugs. The Republican-led House worked across party lines to pass a plan. Yet the Senate, despite promises, has been unable to act. It is very disappointing to America's seniors.

My family and I have to establish a budget every month. We understand what that means. Yet Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has failed to do this task -- which every American family must do -- for the first time in over 25 years.

And there's no excuse for the Senate's inability to pass sensible homeland-security legislation that helps protect the American people. The president put forward a plan, and the House passed the legislation.

On the important issues, the Senate's Democratic leadership has promised results while the president and the Republican House has delivered. Even on matters critical to national security and the economy, the Senate has continued to stall. This is not acceptable. The Senate needs to act on these key measures already passed by the House and supported by President Bush.

ANGELA I. ZIMMER

Cape Girardeau