Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) took to the House floor to urge the Senate to take up and pass H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which will lower prescription drug costs for all Americans.

The bill passed the house on December 12, 2019 by a vote of 230 to 192 and is awaiting action in the Senate.

Below are Rep. Frankel’s remarks as delivered:

“Madam Speaker, I am holding in my hand a pill cutter.

Pharmacists tell me that it’s one of the most popular gadgets in the drugstore. Why? Because many prescription drugs are so unaffordable that, at the expense of their health, Americans are cutting their pills in half.

And even some folks who have insurance, and they go to the counter with a prescription, they leave empty handed because they can’t afford the co-pay.

That’s why Democrats passed H.R. 3, that will: give Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies; lower the costs of the most expensive drugs for all Americans; and stop pharmaceutical companies from charging more for drugs that are cheaper in other countries.

The new law would also set limits on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, while delivering them vision, dental, and hearing care.

I urge the Senate to take up and pass this this lifesaving bill. And I yield back.”

For video of the speech, click here.

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