[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 181 (Wednesday, November 13, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H8792-H8793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  LOWER THE COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

  (Mrs. AXNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mrs. AXNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the price of 
prescription drugs is too high and prescription drug prices have risen 
44 percent in 5 years.
  Big pharmaceutical companies have raised the cost of the most 
commonly used drugs by 100 percent. I am talking about every day, basic 
prescription drugs like insulin for diabetes or Advair for asthma.
  Experts say there is no end in sight, and we will see prices rise in 
2020 if this continues and if we don't act now.
  I recently heard from Joan in west Des Moines, who said the cost of 
her generic suddenly skyrocketed, and there is nothing she can do, 
because if she doesn't take it she will need a liver transplant.

[[Page H8793]]

  And I heard from John in Madrid, who discovered his insulin refills 
literally cost more than the price of gold if you broke it down by 
price per ounce.
  That is why I am supporting H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. 
Iowans and Americans can't wait any longer. Every dollar spent on 
overpriced drugs is stealing money away from someone's retirement, from 
someone's college fund, and from buying a home, and it is putting 
someone's life at risk.
  We must act now and pass and support the Lower Drug Costs Now Act.

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