Rick Allen: “Mr. Chairman, during the debate on this legislation yesterday, there was a great deal of bipartisan concern about the…”

“Mr. Chairman, during the debate on this legislation yesterday, there was a great deal of bipartisan concern about the high prices that our seniors pay for their prescription drugs. In fact, we did pass the Crowley-Coburn amendment which would provide for those seniors who are healthy enough and able enough to go to another country to buy their prescription drugs relief for those few. But it is worth remembering that only 2 weeks ago the majority in this House passed by three votes a piece of legislation preferred by the pharmaceutical industry that would rely on private insurance companies for seniors to get prescription drug coverage. At the same time, a Democratic alternative that would have provided a Medicare prescription drug benefit was not allowed even to have a vote in full debate. Today, I rise to offer an amendment that would give taxpayers full disclosure of their investment in the research and development of prescription drugs.”