House passes sweeping Pelosi bill to lower drug prices

[brooklynite]

Source: The Hill

The House on Thursday passed a sweeping bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices, a step toward a long-held Democratic goal that was met with sharp Republican resistance.

The bill passed on a largely party-line vote of 230-192. The measure, which would allow the government to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs, is one of House Democrats’ top priorities and is expected to be touted by vulnerable Democrats up for reelection next year.

The party is also looking to show that it is focused on kitchen table issues like lowering drug costs even as lawmakers prepare for an impeachment vote against President Trump.

“What I hear most often is not impeachment, it's not what's on the front page of The Washington Post, it's ‘What are you going to do about the cost of our prescription drugs?’ ” said Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), one of several freshmen facing competitive reelection races who showcased the bill on the Capitol steps Thursday. “And this bill is an answer to my constituents.”

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/house/474294-house-passes-sweeping-pelosi-bill-to-lower-drug-prices#.XfKXiuiyMFY.twitter

[kimbutgar]

1. Sadly, in the right wing bubble those who would benefit will never hear about this bill.

All those old people struggling to pay for these meds on social security and Medicare will never hear of it when watching Fox propaganda channel.

[sakabatou]

2. This bill will probably die in the Senate along with other bills

[soldierant]

7. All the bills die in #MoscowMitch's Senate. That's a given.

The point is that if we passed it once, we can pass it again, IF we keep our majority (= are re-elected) and IF we can take the Senate.

"Here, this is what we can do if we have the chance. Give us the chance."

[theaocp]

3. Was this the bill that locks in drug prices for 10 years? n/t

[IcyPeas]

4. Breaking: House Republicans chose to keep prescription drug prices soaring

House Republicans chose to keep prescription drug prices soaring — siding with big drug corporations and forcing Americans to continue paying astronomical prices. #LowerDrugCosts

Link to tweet

[FiveGoodMen]

6. "Water is wet" would have been a bigger surprise.

[davsand]

5. This may be a real big issue for Moscow Mitch and the GOPiglets.

The reality is that AARP has been ALL OVER this issue and this bill. I've been getting emails and lobbying requests for a few months now. If the Senate chooses to vote this one down or ignore it, it could potentially land a bunch of Senate GOP in really hot water with the old folks. Everybody needs a break on drug prices, but old people are typically hit hard by meds for the chronic illnesses that we all tend to manifest as we age.

Ya know who votes faithfully? OLD PEOPLE. Seriously, this is a potential minefield and the corrupt Senate may well screw themselves with this one.

Waiting to see how this one plays out.



Laura