As a part of a general effort to bring prescription drugs to more seniors, many were looking at ways to make the drugs cheaper. One option, backed by Progressives, was to give states the authority to purchase drugs in bulk under Medicaid, thus giving them the leverage of a large buyer to demand a lower price. The purchased drugs would then be sold to seniors at a discounted rate. The vote at issue here was on a Stabenow (D-MI) amendment to make such a program possible; a "yes" vote was therefore a vote for the amendment and the Progressive position. The amendment passed, 56-43, and the authority to buy drugs in bulk was added to the bill.