On Nov. 22, Cincinnati's Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, was one of 24 House Republicans who voted against the GOP-backed Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003, which barely passed, 220-215.

Q: Why did you vote against your party on such major legislation?

A: "While I've consistently supported providing prescription drug coverage to seniors - voting for proposals on three separate occasions - the recently enacted legislation poses significant risks for seniors, taxpayers and the future of Medicare.

"Under the proposal, millions of seniors will lose their current prescription drug coverage. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that one in four seniors will be dropped. I was also disappointed that the legislation lacked many of the health care options for seniors that had been included in previous proposals.

"Additionally, the new law will impose higher Medicare premiums on seniors based on income. This "means-testing" provision will potentially cause millions of middle-income seniors to face future premium increases. as Congress explores ways to raise additional revenue to support Medicare growth. Several years ago, I signed a pledge promising to oppose tax increases or means-testing in Medicare or Social Security. because of the negative impact these actions would have on older Americans. Although the legislation does provide some positive benefits for seniors, I take my commitments seriously and could not support legislation that contained provisions I promised to oppose."

Do you know of a position, vote or statement made by a public official that you'd like him or her to explain? Make a suggestion, and we'll ask. Send ideas to Ray Cooklis at rcooklis@enquirer.com; phone (513) 768-8525.