October 18, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 165 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H8232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REDUCING PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS

  (Mr. TONKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  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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