HOUSE EDUCATION & LABOR COMMITTEE ADVANCES JAYAPAL AMENDMENT TO HOUSE DRUG PRICING REFORM BILL

Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement after the Committee advanced her amendment to expand protections for consumers from drug price spikes. The amendment—introduced during a markup of the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3)—passed in a voice vote.

“The drug industry has gone unchecked for far too long, and Americans are hurting because of it. My amendment strengthens this bill by limiting Big Pharma’s ability to spike drug prices for the over 156 million Americans covered by group health plans or insurance coverage. I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making to ensure the Lower Drug Price Costs Now Act lives up to its name—and provides real relief to American families,” said Jayapal.

Jayapal’s amendment would help prevent drug price increases above the rate of inflation for drugs covered by group health plans and insurance coverage, and determine a mechanism for individuals and the plans to receive a rebate for any money spent on drugs that have seen their price rise above the rate of inflation. 

The amendment was co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Donna Shalala (FL-27).

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Issues: Health Care, Jobs, Labor, & the Economy