Kendrick Meek: “I think it was a blown opportunity here on this floor by the majority side saying they were carrying out true…”

“I think it was a blown opportunity here on this floor by the majority side saying they were carrying out true prescription drug reform and failed to do so by not allowing us to negotiate with drug companies to have lower prices, not only for seniors but for people with disabilities. Also, guaranteed American consumers the right to deal with the whole issue of importation. I have some reservations about that, but the real issue is the fact that we have Americans that are now making a choice between groceries and prescription drugs. We still have Americans, and I am not just talking about older Americans, I am talking about middle-aged Americans and even children, because a number of children are on prescription drugs, be it for allergies, or middle-aged Americans taking heart medication or medication for diabetes or other ailments that we found that through prescription drugs that can prevent death or prolong life they are making decisions. They have to make decisions. So they are excited about the fact that we are looking at prescription drug reform, but it was not a true bipartisan effort because if it was we would have negotiating power. And I will tell Members right now, because I want to make sure that my Republican colleagues on the other side of the aisle and I want to make sure, Mr. Speaker, that the American people understand that the Democrats have a bill filed right now to allow that to happen.…”