December 11, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 198 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Pages H10031-H10032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SKYROCKETING PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES

  (Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission 
to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, millions of 
Americans are suffering from skyrocketing prescription drug prices. 
They have to choose between medicine and food, or rent, or utility 
bills. People are actually dying because they have been forced to skip 
or reduce doses.
  Prices aren't soaring because of the cost of developing prescription 
drugs. Some of these drugs are decades old. No. Prices are soaring 
because drugmakers are jacking up prices wherever and whenever they can 
to maximize their profits. And they can do this because the United 
States is the only country in the world that subsidizes research on new 
drugs and then refuses to negotiate with drugmakers for lower prices.
  This is insane. Americans shouldn't be dying because drug companies 
want bigger profits.
  I am supporting H.R. 3 because it will allow Medicare to negotiate 
drug prices, cap annual price increases, and set out-of-pocket maximums 
for seniors.
  It is way past time Congress allowed Medicare to negotiate for lower 
drug prices. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3 to lower 
drug costs now.

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