U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) last week called for a vote on a bipartisan measure to lower the cost of prescription drugs, a commonsense alternative to a partisan proposal that would stifle medical innovation and lead to fewer treatments and cures.
“We all agree that prescription drug affordability is a vital issue for the American people,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “However, we shouldn’t be sacrificing new cures in the process. That’s why I support H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act. This bipartisan bill will lower out of pocket spending while also protecting access to new medicines and cures.”
Walorski on Wednesday spoke on the House floor in opposition to H.R. 3, a partisan bill that was written behind closed doors and would result in fewer cures, less innovation, and worse health outcomes for patients. She voted against the legislation, which passed the House on Thursday.
H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, is a bipartisan alternative that includes more than 40 provisions with support from both sides of the aisle. The bill would:
- Encourage innovation of life-saving medicines;
- Promote more low-cost options for patients;
- Improve transparency at the pharmacy counter;
- Prevent drug companies from gaming the system;
- Cap seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs; and
- Cut the cost of drug administration.
Video of Congresswoman Walorski speaking on the House floor is available here. The full text of her remarks is below.
“Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 3. This misguided, partisan legislation was written behind closed doors. It will result in fewer cures, less innovation, and worse health outcomes.
“We all agree that prescription drug affordability is a vital issue for the American people. However, we shouldn’t be sacrificing new cures in the process.
“This bill tells patients with cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other terrible diseases to keep waiting for the cures they so desperately need.
“That’s why I support H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act. This bipartisan bill will lower out of pocket spending while also protecting access to new medicines and cures.
“Madam Speaker, we have an important opportunity to work in a bipartisan fashion for the American people. But here we are again considering a partisan bill that has no path forward in the Senate. This has become such a disturbing trend.
“I urge my colleagues to vote against this flawed legislation so we can work together on a bipartisan solution. I yield back.”
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
