[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 26, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H7076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           DEMOCRATS ARE LOWERING COSTS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Tlaib). The Chair recognizes the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Garcia) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize President 
Biden and House Democrats' efforts to lower costs for American 
families.
  Because of Putin's invasion, Americans have seen higher costs 
everywhere--from the gas pump to grocery stores, to goods across the 
shelves at local stores. Farmers, ranchers, and consumers have been 
victims of these price hikes because of Putin's invasion.
  President Biden and House Democrats aren't standing for this. That is 
why last month my Democratic House colleagues and I passed the Lower 
Food and Fuel Costs Act.
  This bill will lower costs of goods for hardworking American families 
by addressing supply chain risks, lowering the cost of food and gas 
prices, strengthening the food supply chain, and ensuring robust 
competition in the meat and poultry sector. This will bring a much-
needed drop in the prices of goods for the American people.
  I am also glad to report that with President Biden's leadership, gas 
prices have declined by an average of 65 cents over the last 40 days. 
Yes, you heard me right, Madam Speaker, 65 cents in the last 40 days.
  To bring additional savings for the American people, House Democrats 
passed the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act to further fight 
Putin's price hike.
  While Democrats are determined to deliver results for Americans, 
Republicans showed little support on this cost-saving bill. While sad 
on their part, I was not surprised.
  On the public health front, just this year, pharma companies have 
raised drug prices over 1,100 times. 1,100 times. Drastic, greedy 
increases like these have led to insulin in the U.S. doubling in price 
since 2012. This really hurts States and congressional districts like 
mine that have historically struggled with health issues like diabetes.
  In Texas, more than 12.4 percent of the people--or nearly 3 million 
people--have diabetes. In the Houston area where I live, almost 14 
percent of the residents have diabetes.
  Madam Speaker, even in my own family--and you will recall, I am one 
of 10--6 of us have been struck with diabetes. I have one brother who 
is already under dialysis treatment.
  Shockingly, reports show that one in four diabetics have rationed 
insulin in Texas due to high costs. Many residents have even died 
because of needing to ration this lifesaving medicine. This is simply 
appalling and unconscionable. No one in our great Nation should gamble 
with their life by rationing insulin because of high costs.
  That is why House Democrats passed the Affordable Insulin Now Act to 
cap the price of insulin at $35 per month because no one--and I mean no 
one--should have to ration insulin in America.
  So, while Republicans remain focused on pleasing their political base 
and stripping women of their rights, Democrats remain laser focused on 
lowering costs for hardworking Americans across our Nation and standing 
with families.
  Democrats are the party who put people above politics. We stand with 
the American people. Together we are building a better America for 
generations to come and for the future of our children.

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