[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 14, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H7788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  LOWERING COSTS TO AMERICAN FAMILIES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Garcia) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. My fellow colleagues, 
yesterday, I joined many of my House Democrats alongside Democratic 
President Biden as we celebrated the passage of this new law at the 
White House.
  During the White House visit, I kept thinking of the millions of 
Americans this monumental law will help. I also kept thinking about the 
Texans and constituents across my district who will benefit 
significantly from the impact of this law. The Inflation Reduction Act 
will lower families' costs with savings ranging from healthcare to 
energy costs. But if we look closely, we see just how important and 
lifesaving this law is. This law lowers prescription drug prices, like 
insulin, which is critical, by finally giving Medicare the ability to 
negotiate prices of prescription drugs--not just simply accept what Big 
Pharma says but negotiate prices.
  It also prevents greedy price hikes and caps out-of-pocket costs to 
$2,000 to Medicare beneficiaries--capping out-of-pocket at $2,000.
  Madam Speaker, for residents like those in my district, Texas' 29th 
District, these savings can literally save lives.
  My district is 77 percent Latino. Studies from the CDC show that 
Latinos are 70 percent more likely than white non-Hispanics to be 
diagnosed with diabetes, and they are 1.3 times more likely to die from 
diabetes complications. On top of this, about 11 percent of Texans have 
diabetes.
  Shockingly, studies show that one in four diabetics in Texas have 
rationed their insulin to make ends meet. They are literally putting 
themselves at risk of death and more complications because of the price 
of insulin.
  Let's just let that sink in, Madam Speaker. One in four diabetics 
ration a lifesaving drug simply because the prices are high and because 
our country has higher prescription drug prices than any other 
developed country in the world.
  This simply breaks my heart. It is tough to think about this because 
this issue also does hit very close to home. I know all too well people 
who have family members that are suffering from diabetes. I know their 
pain, and I know how it impacts their livelihoods and their 
pocketbooks.
  My mother faced uphill battles with diabetes before passing away from 
complications due to diabetes.

                              {time}  1015

  Now, I am 1 of 10 children. Five of us are also affected by diabetes 
and are on insulin, and a brother is on dialysis. So, I know firsthand 
how important insulin is to one's health, and I can't fathom a country 
where people can't afford this lifesaving drug.
  While more must be done for those diabetic patients not on Medicare, 
this law is a monumental, great step forward in making insulin 
accessible to all. But I promise to keep fighting for those who are not 
on Medicare, those who are not insured, and those who are too poor to 
get access to insulin.
  The Inflation Reduction Act also reduces the cost of health insurance 
for millions by extending the Affordable Care Act subsidies for 3 more 
years. This will lock in lower healthcare prices that will save 13 
million people across our country an average of $800.
  Now, $800 may not sound like a lot to some people, but in my district 
and across America, hardworking families know the value of $800. In my 
district, Madam Speaker, there are about 55,000 people who are enrolled 
in health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act. That is 
about $800 for these Texas families to use for school supplies, for 
food, for gas, and for other basic necessities.
  So, the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is a massive victory 
for the people in my district and districts across America.
  This is what happens when we have strong leadership in the White 
House and when House Democrats work together, because they put people 
first.
  Madam Speaker, it is all about putting people first.

                          ____________________