DPCC COCHAIRS APPLAUD PASSAGE OF THE ‘LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT’

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WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chairman David Cicilline (RI-01) and Co-Chairs Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Ted Lieu (CA-33) applauded House Democrats for delivering on a cornerstone of their For the People Agenda by passing the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drugs Costs Now Act today. Already this year, House Democrats have passed 10 bills to protect people with pre-existing conditions, reverse health care sabotage and lower prescription drug costs. The Lower Drugs Costs Now Act will build on that work by giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, and make those prices available to Americans with private insurance as well as Medicare beneficiaries.

"We all know someone who has been forced to ration the medication they need to live so that they can afford to keep a roof over their family's heads or put food on the table. In America, in 2019, this should never be the case," said Cicilline. "Pharmaceutical companies have abused American patients and taxpayers to increase their profits hand over fist without recourse for too long. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act will combat the price gouging by big pharma that sees American patients and taxpayers paying more for their prescription drugs than people in other countries. President Trump should honor his promise to lower prescription drug prices and call on Mitch McConnell to pass this bill without delay."

"It's unfair that lifesaving prescription medicines cost nearly four times as much in America," said Cartwright. "This inequity has put too many American families into debt or robbed them of their life savings. We are, therefore, taking decisive action to enable Medicare to negotiate with big drug companies, which will help lower prices for our nation's older adults and individuals with disabilities, as well as all Americans with private insurance. This is a common-sense solution to one of our biggest health care crises."

"Too many hardworking men and women face the terrifying high costs for prescription drugs and seniors don't have coverage for dental, vision, or hearing services," said Dingell. "The House is delivering on the first step to lower prescription drug prices for the people. Since coming to Congress, I have led the fight to get Medicare to cover hearing aids and service. The eyes, ears, and teeth are just as much a part of healthcare. This bill invests savings from prescription drugs right back into expanding Medicare benefits to include dental, vision, and hearing."

"Lowering the cost of prescription drugs is essential. No one should go broke trying to pay for lifesaving medication," said Lieu. "Today's vote is the House Majority delivering on a promise to lower health care costs for Americans and I'm proud of this momentous step."

FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE NUMBERS:
(As of November 15, 2019. Bills only, resolutions not included.)

• The House has passed nearly 400 bills this Congress as Democrats continue to deliver For The People.
• But more than 300 bills, or 80% of the bills the House has passed, are stuck in the Senate.
• Most of the bills that are stalled in the Senate - more than 275 - are bipartisan.
• Bipartisan legislation stalled in the Senate includes bills to:
  • Give American workers a long overdue raise by raising the minimum wage and making sure women are paid fairly for their work.
  • Protect the retirement of Americans who worked hard all their lives.
  • Enact gun safety background checks.
  • Cut taxes for Gold Star families.
  • Protect consumers from being ripped off by fine print contracts.
  • Protect people with pre-existing conditions, reverse health care sabotage & lower drug costs.
  • Support veterans (more than 30 bills).

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