Reducing Prescription Drug Costs

Floor Speech

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Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, 3 in 10 adults in America today have reported not taking medicine as prescribed because of the cost. Our seniors and families should not have to choose between paying their monthly bills and affording their prescription drugs.

That is why I introduced the Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act with my friend from New Hampshire, Chris Pappas, to simplify how low-income seniors get the help they need affording their medications.

That is why I introduced the Star Rating for Biosimilars Act with my friend from Ohio, Bob Gibbs, to drive down costs and provide greater access to generic biosimilar drugs treating cancer, arthritis, and many other conditions.

And that is why the House is moving forward with H.R. 3, the Low Drug Costs Now Act, which will use competitive price negotiation to save Medicare some $345 billion and save United States households nearly $160 billion, combined. Private businesses would save some $46 billion under our bill.

Across America, seniors and families are struggling to afford the prescription drugs that they need to stay healthy and alive. It is time for Congress to act. Let's act now.

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