From The Associated Press, 2/4/04:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=512&ncid=718&e=10&u=/ap/20040204/ap_on_go_co/tauzin_resigns
Tauzin May Become Pharmaceutical Lobbyist
By H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON -
Rep. Billy Tauzin of Louisiana is stepping down as chairman of one of
the most powerful committees in Congress, and is considering an offer
to become the top lobbyist for the pharmaceutical industry.
Tauzin, who has spent nearly 24 years in Congress, informed House
Speaker Dennis Hastert on Tuesday that he would give up his
chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee, effective Feb. 16.
He does not plan to seek re-election in November and may leave
Congress before then, said Ken Johnson, Tauzin's spokesman, adding
that the Republican congressman has yet to decide what he will do
next.
But Tauzin, 60, is widely expected to accept a job as head of the
Washington lobbying operation of the Pharmaceutical Research and
Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, which represents big drug
manufacturers such as Eli Lilly and Co. and Merck & Co.
The job offer has raised eyebrows since Tauzin's committee deals with
critical legislation affecting the pharmaceutical industry.
For example, Tauzin last year guided through his committee and the
House a new Medicare law that prevents the government from negotiating
lower prices from drug companies.
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I understand ole Billy's gonna get multi millions from his fellow
health industry whores.
From a Los Angeles Times editorial, 1/30/04:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-tauzin30jan30,1,3678169.story
Harry
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