Grassley Statement on Committee Passage of Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act

Statement

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released the following statement on the broad, bipartisan passage of the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act, which he co-authored with Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The bill passed out of committee by a 19-9 vote.

"The broad, bipartisan passage of the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act out of the Senate Finance Committee is the first step toward fulfilling a promise that we've all made to the American people -- lowering prescription drug prices. I'd like to thank Ranking Member Wyden for his partnership on this legislation, and my colleagues on the committee who have contributed to this effort. I also want to thank President Trump and Secretary Azar for their endorsement of our legislation.

"Everyone can agree that the price of many prescription drugs is too high. These skyrocketing costs hurt seniors, lower-income earners, people with disabilities and all Americans. This legislation is the result of months of working across the aisle to find areas of consensus. Its commonsense reforms will save more than $100 billion and deliver real relief to patients across the board while preserving innovation in the health care industry.

"The Senate is making important moves to improve our nation's health care system. In addition to the bipartisan legislation our committee passed today, there are good policies coming from the Senate Judiciary and HELP Committees as well. This is the kind of bipartisan action necessary to enact real reforms that will benefit patients and taxpayers.

"Americans are demanding action to reduce prescription drug prices. It's past time we take it. I hope we can bring this important health care reform legislation to a vote this fall and finally give patients the relief they need and deserve."

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