[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 2, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE SKYROCKETING COST OF INSULIN

  (Ms. BARRAGAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today for my mother, my sister-
in-law, and the millions of Americans living with diabetes.
  Diabetes is an epidemic in which one in five healthcare dollars in 
the United States is spent caring for patients with this disease.
  Communities of color are disproportionately affected by the disease. 
I know because, in my congressional district, we have the highest rate 
of diabetes, higher than any other congressional district in the State 
of California.
  Those with diabetes use insulin to maintain blood sugar levels. 
Without it, it becomes a matter of life and death. This is why I am 
especially appalled at the skyrocketing cost of this lifesaving drug.
  At this very moment, the Committee on Energy and Commerce is having 
an oversight hearing about the rising cost of insulin. Tomorrow, the 
whole committee will mark up legislation, which, if passed, will help 
reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
  This should not be a partisan issue, and I call on my Republican 
colleagues and the President to work with us to help all Americans and 
work for the people.

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