Chances are we all know someone who is suffering from heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses that require regular medication. We have children and elderly family members who depend on a daily dose of medication to live healthy lives. So, it’s not surprising that in a recent poll, 75% of Americans said drug pricing should be at the top of Congress’ priority list.  The cost of medication has gotten out of control, and families are being forced between medication and other daily essentials like food and clothing.

Even in this hyper-partisan environment, everyone can agree that drug pricing needs to be addressed. President Trump has been working on this issue since his first day in office and Democrats and Republicans in Congress have worked on multiple bills to achieve our goal of more affordable medication. Just this week, I joined over 130 of my colleagues in introducing H.R.19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act.  While this bill was introduced by Republicans, every reform in this legislation enjoys bipartisan agreement. Many of the provisions are contained in bipartisan bills in the House and Senate.

If enacted, the bill will provide affordability, pricing predictability, and transparency for patients in need of medication. Insurance companies will be required to make cost information available to both patients and doctors so you can actually discuss your medication options with your doctor. You will no longer have to drive to the pharmacy to find out how much your medication will cost and discuss alternatives. It will bring more generic medications to market so there will be increased competition as well as increased low-cost options for patients. This legislation also protects Americans by establishing a new trade negotiator specifically for drug prices in international trade agreements. For too long, other countries have benefited from our country’s medical innovation while Americans are stuck footing the over-priced bill. 

Unfortunately, even a bipartisan issue can’t avoid some political roadblocks. Instead of bringing this bill to the floor, this week the House was forced to vote on a bill that would eliminate many drug options and cripple innovation. That bill, which was only voted on for political purposes, will not see the light of day in the Senate, and the President has already said he would veto it.  H.R. 19 on the other hand, is supported by members on both sides of the aisle and would be signed into law without delay. I look forward to the day Speaker Pelosi allows that to happen.