The House Oversight and Reform Committee will hold a hearing to examine drug price increases later this month, the committee’s first since Democrats took control of the House.
In a statement, Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah CummingsElijah Eugene CummingsOvernight Defense: Trump signs Space Force directive | Dems probe Trump officials' dealings with Saudi Arabia | Trump feels 'no rush' in North Korea talks Dems open new front against Trump Overnight Energy: Justices take up major case on water rules | Dems probe administration's dealings with Saudi Arabia | Greens sue EPA over toxic paint strippers MORE> (D-Md.) said the hearing will serve to launch a “broad review of the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs.”
On Thursday, Cummings joined Sens. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerSanders campaign reports raising M in less than a day Gillibrand uses Trump Jr. tweet to fundraise Trump: Bernie Sanders 'missed his time' for White House MORE> (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders
Bernard (Bernie) SandersSanders campaign reports raising M in less than a day The Memo: Bernie Sanders’s WH launch sharpens ‘socialist’ question Gillibrand uses Trump Jr. tweet to fundraise MORE> (I-Vt.) and other Democrats to introduce legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug prices.
The three proposed bills would allow importation of cheaper drugs from Canada, allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices and strip monopolies from drug companies if their prices were above the average price in other wealthy countries.
Drug prices have spiked over the past decade, putting a pinch on consumers as wages have failed to keep pace with the hikes. The drug pricing is a bipartisan concern, but the parties are divided on how best to solve the issue.
Democrats want Medicare to negotiate prices and want to allow Americans to buy cheaper prescription drugs from abroad, policies that are staunchly opposed by pharmaceutical companies.
Democratic lawmakers say Republicans were too easy on the industry when they controlled the House, and have vowed that will change now that they are in charge.
Source : https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/424803-drug-prices-to-take-center-stage-in-first-oversight-committee-hearing