Democrats Negotiating With Moderates Over Drug Pricing Provisions

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Democratic leaders are considering changing a provision in their signature $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill that would limit the costs of prescription medication, a provision that key moderate swing voters have found especially odious.

Specifically, the provision would cap the price of prescription drugs to a level consistent with the prices paid for the same medication in other developed countries.

For weeks, prominent Democrats have marketed the provision as a key part of their reconciliation package.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the author of the original budget proposal, emphasized the importance of the provision and the pharmaceutical industryโ€™s efforts to kill the provision in a tweet.

Sanders wrote: โ€œPharma has spent hundreds of millions opposing our efforts to lower prescription drug costs. Meanwhile, the six major drug companies made $50 billion in profits last year and pay their CEOs outrageous salaries. We must stop Pharma greed and pass the Reconciliation Bill.โ€

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have also often emphasized the measureโ€™s importance over the past few weeks at various press conferences.

Other House progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), have joined the chorus of voices praising the provision.

But now, Democrats are in negotiations with moderates who could tank the bill, and are trying to find a compromise on the measure that could win the support of these critical voters. The details of these negotiations are unclear, but they come against a backdrop of organized resistance to the measure in both chambers of Congress.

Slate of House Moderates Reject Measure, Propose More Limited Bill

In the House, the original proposal has faced stiff opposition from moderates who have demanded an alternative provision be inserted into the final bill.

Presaging these troubles for House leadership, Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), and Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.) voted against moving the drug pricing provision out of committee.

Schrader and Peters went a step further, introducing a significantly reduced reform to take the place of Democratsโ€™ original proposal.

The suggested compromise bill would allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug costs, which it cannot currently do. However, this would not extend to private insurance companies. The new bill would also not make all prescription drugs eligible for negotiation.

Byย Joseph Lord

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

The Sacred Honor of the 56

Today we're celebrating the sacred honor of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Alligator Alcatraz: A Bold Step Toward Secure Borders

Alligator Alcatraz funded through FEMA, represents a decisive move by the Trump admin to address illegal immigration with efficiency and resolve.

Is America Broke?

Silicon Valley investor and economic commentator Balaji Srinivasan made...

Hungary: Prideโ„ข Cometh Before the Color Revolution

The EU engaged in a diplomatic siege of the Eastern European nation-state of Hungary pressuring it into embrace global trannyism or face wrath of Brussels.

Understanding the Trump/Musk Feud

The passion Trump and Musk exhibit over the OBBB is not contrived or for show. Each is addressing the problem from completely different approaches.

Noem Waives Environmental Restrictions to Fast-Track Water Barriers in Rio Grande

DHS Sec Kristi Noem waived federal environmental laws to fast-track construction of 17 miles of waterborne barriers in the Rio Grande in South Texas.

Federal Officials Warn of โ€˜Lone Wolfโ€™ Terror Threats on July 4, NY Governor Says

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed that federal officials informed her about a possible terrorist threat ahead of the July 4 Independence Day holiday.

Record 1 in 5 Buyers of New Cars Committing to $1,000-Plus Monthly Payments: Edmunds

The share of new car buyers committing to make monthly payments of $1,000 or more hit an โ€œall-time highโ€ in the second quarter of 2025.

US Economy Adds 147,000 New Jobs, Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent in June

The U.S. job market remained strong in June, as labor conditions continued to hold up amid economic uncertainty.

US Keeps Pressure on Chinese Goods Amid Vietnam Trade Deal

Transshippingโ€”rerouting goods through a third country to disguise the origin of the productsโ€”is a focal point of trade negotiations with Asian markets.

White House Report Reveals Top Earners, Staffers Working for No Salary

The Trump admin released its yearly report that shows the salaries for White House staffers, also revealing officials who arenโ€™t accepting salaries at all.

Transportation Secretary Urges Governors to Remove Political Messages From Crosswalks, Intersections

Duffy sent letters to governors, mayor of D.C., and gov of Puerto Rico urging them to remove political messaging from intersections and crosswalks.

Bessent: US, India Near Agreement to Lower Tariffs

The United States and India are โ€œvery closeโ€ to a trade agreement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday.
spot_img

Related Articles