Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement after the House passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R.3), which will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs. The bill will level the playing field for Americans who are paying more for their medicines than people in other countries.
"Too many families in my district are forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for life-saving prescription drugs. I've heard from people rationing insulin in order to pay for their rent or other necessities. That's unacceptable. I voted to pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act to help people like my constituent, 3-year old Elizabeth who lives with cystic fibrosis, have access to the medications they need.
"The bill gives the government the power to negotiate directly with drug companies for the first time in our country's history, and prevents pharmaceutical price gouging for upwards of 150 million Americans with private health care plans. It also adds comprehensive dental, vision, and hearing benefits to Medicare Part B and increases the number of seniors who qualify for financial support—an important expansion that will help millions of seniors.
"While H.R. 3 is a groundbreaking reform, one piece of legislation cannot ensure every person has equitable access to affordable medication. I have supported the Progressive Caucus' (CPC) negotiations with House Democratic leadership to strengthen and expand the scope of this legislation so more families could benefit from lower drug prices. I am pleased to see specific CPC priorities included in the final bill such as doubling the annual minimum number of negotiated drugs from twenty-five to fifty.
"With this historic legislation, we're making health care more affordable for everyone. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure that the size of your paycheck does not determine whether you can afford your medication."
A fact sheet of the bill can be found here.