The sky is really not caving in. Half of the bills being considered have been introduced in previous congresses.

These bills are a strong first step in making prescription drugs more affordable and providing real relief to hardworking Americans that are being price gouged at the pharmacy counter.

My bill, which I introduced earlier this year bipartisanly with Mr. Carter will stop the practice of parking generic exclusivity by first filers.

When a company delays the start of the exclusivity period of a product, it not only delays other generics from coming to market, it also delays lower prices reaching patients sooner.

The United States of America is the leader in the world. You can't--no one can point to any other country that produces... lifesaving and cures turning death sentences into chronic conditions.

We know that when generics come to market, they can drive prices down exponentially for consumers.

Legislative hearings are very important, and while this was long, each one of you are really value added to this.

For too long, the American people have been subjected to the abuse of the patent system by pharmaceutical companies.

We know that market competition lowers prices for consumers.

I think it should reduce their out-of-pocket through their cost-sharing.

I have to say I am extremely concerned by the priorities reflected in the President's budget, because this proposal directly and negatively impacts hardworking families who depend on crucial services.

So will you work with us to strengthen that?