[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 17, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                        Prescription Drug Costs

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, now another short statement on something 
that is going on that is very important to the American people: the 
price of prescription drugs--something I hear quite frequently in my 
99-county meetings that I hold around the State every year.
  Prescription drug prices come up, and they want Congress to do 
something about it. So last year, the Senate Judiciary Committee marked 
up and passed out of committee six bipartisan bills that address the 
high cost of prescription drugs and the abusive practices that keep 
prices high for too many American families. The bills simply put a stop 
to anti-competitive tactics. Why? So cheaper drugs can enter the 
market.
  These bills also increase transparency and accountability for the 
prescription drug supply chain. With these bills, we strengthen Agency 
collaboration and the patent process. We curb the use of sham citizen 
petitions to the FDA so it is easier for generics to obtain approval 
and get generics to the market quicker. We end the pay-for-delay deals 
to keep brand-name drug companies from paying generic companies to keep 
cheaper options off the market so they keep the price of the patented 
drug higher for a longer period of time. Lastly, we require the Federal 
Trade Commission, FTC, to finish the work it started in studying the 
impact of pharmacy benefit managers.
  These bills will help make prescription drugs more affordable for 
patients who need them.
  The Congressional Budget Office has reported that these bills 
collectively would save over $2 billion.
  We need the Senate to act on these bills, and I will continue pushing 
to fix a broken system and lower drug costs.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.