Who mediated conflicts of interest between stakeholders?
All stakeholders will be involved. While the Republicans now control the House, Senate, and Executive branch, they have a narrow political margin, particularly in the Senate and run then risk of a Democratic filibuster blocking passage of a proposed bill. Passage of a Medicare prescription drug benefit, however, will depend largely on the political and economic context. At present, the economy has experienced a sharp downturn, projected deficits are up to $287 billion for FY 2003 and $338 billion for 2004, and there will be a drive to cut spending. In addition, it is also expected that there will be a reduction in attention to domestic matters and an increase in military expenditures in the coming year.
