Republican Rx Drug Plan Is Actually Driving Up Prescription Drug Costs

REPUBLICAN RX DRUG PLAN IS ACTUALLY DRIVING UP PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS

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Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to highlight two new reports out over the last week that once again demonstrates how the pharmaceutical industry is benefiting from the new prescription drug plan, while American seniors and the American taxpayers are paying even larger bills.

The first study, done by AARP, concluded that wholesale prices on the most popular drugs used by American seniors increased by 3.9 percent over the first 3 months of the year. Pharmaceutical companies promised drug prices would go down when the Republican plan took effect, but now it is clear they have actually increased at four times the rate of inflation.

The second study was conducted by Families USA, which found that American veterans are paying 43 percent less for their drugs than their counterparts under the Republican prescription drug plan. Our veterans get cheaper rates because the VA negotiates to get better deals from the pharmaceutical companies.

Contrast that with the Republican drug plan that restricts Medicare from negotiating on behalf of the American seniors.

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