Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06) and Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) joined Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and Protect Our Care for a virtual event reacting to President Biden’s historic State of the Union address. The President celebrated the administration’s health accomplishments, including taking on Big Pharma and lowering drug costs, and he outlined further action to lower costs and improve care for people across the nation. Democrats have delivered on health care promises, expanding affordable coverage, driving down prescription drug costs, strengthening Medicaid for moms and kids, and reducing inequities in care. This year, a record 21.3 million people signed up for coverage under the ACA marketplaces, seniors are saving on insulin and vaccine costs, and Medicare is negotiating lower prices for some of the costliest drugs on the market.
At the same time, Republicans continue fighting to reverse all of the progress made by Democrats and the Biden-Harris administration. Trump is escalating his threats to repeal the ACA while Republican lawmakers and their allies are working overtime to dismantle reproductive care, hike premiums, slash Medicare and Medicaid, reverse recent coverage gains, and raise prescription drug costs for the American people.
Last night, President Biden spoke to the incredible progress we’ve made expanding access to affordable health care and lowering the cost of prescription drugs,” said Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06). “His vision stands in stark contrast to the ominous health care agenda being pursued by former President Trump and Republicans in Congress who want to repeal health care, restrict reproductive rights, and prioritize Big Pharma’s profits over the American people. Democrats will continue to stand up against Republican attacks on health care while we work with President Biden to make health care and prescription drugs more affordable and accessible for all Americans.”
“As we heard last night, there’s much to celebrate regarding our progress and improving access to affordable health care,” said Bobby Scott (D-VA-03). “The ACA remains strong, doing what it was intended to do by protecting those with pre-existing conditions and making coverage more accessible and affordable. But as the President made clear, we have work to do. We want to do more to lower health care costs for Americans and I hope our colleagues across the aisle will finally join us in our fight to lower health care costs, rather than work against us to roll back the progress that we’ve already made. The best is yet to come.”
“President Biden was clear last night: We should strive for an America where people don’t have to choose between putting food on the table or paying for their medical care and the prescription drugs they need. And we’ve seen real progress already,” said Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). “The prescription drug price negotiation we’ve been working on for years is finally the law of the land–thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Over 3,000 Medicare enrollees in Vermont who need insulin are saving hundreds of dollars under the IRA, and 19,000 Vermonters take one of the drugs selected in the first cycle of negotiations. The IRA’s drug pricing fight will finally put people over profits, and make a big difference in the lives of so many Americans.”
“Last night, President Biden released a bold plan to build on Democrats’ health care victories,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “President Biden is sending the message that health care remains a top priority heading into the November election. Poll after poll shows addressing health care costs are a top issue for voters of all parties. We commend leaders like Representatives Pallone and Scott along with Senator Welch for leading the charge to deliver meaningful relief to millions of seniors and families, and for continuing to fight so everyone can afford the health care they need.”