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[Page H8911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
BRING TRANSPARENCY TO DRUG PRICES
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Wisconsin (Mr. Steil) for 5 minutes.
Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, families across southeast Wisconsin are
concerned about the rising costs of healthcare, especially prescription
drug costs. No parent should have to worry that they cannot afford
insulin or an EpiPen for their child.
We must work together to bring transparency to drug prices, hold drug
companies accountable, and empower patients. The Stopping the
Pharmaceutical Industry from Keeping drugs Expensive Act, or the SPIKE
Act, is a nonpartisan bill addressing drug pricing.
The SPIKE Act holds drug companies accountable for their pricing of
lifesaving drugs. If a drug manufacturer of insulin or EpiPens
drastically increases its price, the company must publicly justify its
decision to do so.
As a cosponsor of the SPIKE Act, I will continue fighting to ensure
this bill becomes law.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to bring the SPIKE Act to a vote.
Bring USMCA to a Vote
Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, November 30 marks 1 year since President
Trump agreed with Mexico and Canada to create the United States-Mexico-
Canada trade agreement, or USMCA.
USMCA is an improved trade agreement with Wisconsin's largest trading
partners, Canada and Mexico. Mexico passed USMCA. Canada is ready to
ratify it. They are waiting on us.
Generations of Wisconsinites have dedicated their lives to farming.
Our farmers need our help. Our farmers need USMCA now more than ever.
Small dairy farms in Wisconsin are closing. Wisconsin farmers are
struggling to cope with low milk prices and limited access to markets.
USMCA opens dairy markets and allows farmers to sell their milk to
Canada.
I have addressed this Chamber multiple times on the need to get USMCA
across the finish line. Enough is enough. Bring USMCA to a vote.
Take Steps to Prepare Before Disaster Strikes
Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, today, the House is voting on the Reforming
Disaster Recovery Act. This is a nonpartisan bill to help families when
disaster strikes.
In Wisconsin, we have seen our fair share of storms, tornadoes, and
flooding. When a storm hits, resources and assistance must be readily
available. That is why this bill is so important. We must have a plan
in place before the storm to avoid waste, fraud, and abuse.
This bill does that. Right now, the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, HUD, does not have a codified process in place to
distribute assistance to communities in need. The bill requires HUD to
have a clear process in place before disasters strike.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the Reforming
Disaster Recovery Act. We cannot always know where a storm will strike
or when it will hit, but we can take steps to be prepared and respond.
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