WASHINGTON -- President Clinton's proposal to offer modest prescription drug benefits to 39 million older Americans, part of an overhaul of the Medicare program, was unveiled Tuesday to a wary reception on Capitol Hill.

Although Republican congressional leaders were suspicious of partisan motives and concerned about the cost, they emphasized their own eagerness to help seniors struggling with rising drug costs.

"We share the president's concern," House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott said in a statement. But they questioned offering the benefit to all seniors when nearly two-thirds have some drug coverage.