Under the prescription drug proposal, comprehensive drug coverage does not begin until January 1, 2006 even if the bill is passed this year. In a move to speed prescription drug coverage to seniors as quickly as possible, Senator Lautenberg (DNJ) offered an amendment which would have made the prescription drug bill effective on July 1, 2004. Progressives voted in support of Lautenberg's plan despite their opposition to many aspects of the legislation because, in their view, any potential benefits seniors may receive in drug coverage should be realized immediately. Moreover, Progressives were concerned that waiting until 2006 for the proposal to take effect would effectively take prescription drug coverage off the congressional agenda and thereby hinder any chance to strengthen the coverage contained in the bill for several years. Despite strong support among Democrats, the Lautenberg amendment was defeated on a 41-54 vote.