Washington, D.C. — Today, in response to comments by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans that H.R. 3 is basically “dead on arrival” in the United States Senate, Protect Our Care chair Leslie Dach released the following statement:
“Drug prices are too high and the current system is rigged to reward drug companies with massive profits. The bill introduced by House Democrats would require Medicare to negotiate for lower prices – the most effective way to bring down prescription prices for every American. To no one’s surprise, Mitch McConnell and Republicans in the House and Senate are siding with pharma profits over patients and families.”
BACKGROUND:
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) Says Pelosi Drug Pricing Plan Is Dead In Senate: “ Of Course We’re Not Going To Be Calling Up A Bill Like That.” [Politico, 9/19/19]
Senate Republican Whip John Thune (SD): The Bill Is “Dead On Arrival” In The Senate. [Washington Post, 9/19/19]
Sen. John Cornyn (TX): The Bill “Has Absolutely No Chance – Zero, Zip, Nada – No Chance” [Alex Ruoff Twitter, 9/19/19]
PhRMA: “We Do Not Need To Blow Up The Current System To Make Medicines More Affordable.” [Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Press Release, 9/19/19]