[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 197 (Tuesday, December 10, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H9956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ENSURING MEDICATION IS ACCESSIBLE
(Mr. MORELLE asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, our Nation faces an alarming crisis: The
cost of prescription drugs continues to rise, placing a dangerous
burden on American families, especially our older citizens. That is
why, this week, the House is taking action to lower the cost of
lifesaving medication individuals need to survive by passing H.R. 3,
the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act.
I am especially proud this landmark legislation will include a
provision I authored with my colleagues, Congressman Rose and
Congressman Veasey, to help reduce Medicare part D costs for low-income
seniors.
H.R. 3 will finally allow Medicare to negotiate drug costs, and our
provision will ensure the cost savings go right back to supporting
Medicare recipients by expanding access to programs that lower out-of-
pocket expenses for vulnerable adults and individuals with
disabilities.
We must continue working to improve our healthcare system, and this
marks an important step forward in ensuring medication is accessible
and affordable for everyday Americans.
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