This is unconscionable. I think it's also un-American.

I want to tell you, I have talked to--at my pharmacy. I said, "What happens when people are told it's $1,000?" He says that often, not most, but often they just walk away.

I strongly believe that lowering drug prices is imperative to the sustainability of our healthcare system, especially our public insurance programs like Medicare, and I support CMS' proposal to create a demonstration project for drugs paid…

But, you know, I just feel like if you are offended at all at the suggestions that physicians would prescribe higher cost drugs because you want to make more money then it seems to me that the suggestion of CMS, which is that there be a…

We cannot continue on this unsustainable path where drug costs rise faster than overall health costs.

Yet, every time we attempt to do anything to rein in drug costs we are met with fierce opposition.

Now for some different ideas. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for allowing me to testify before this Committee on two pieces of legislation I have introduced to improve the fairness of our tax system.

I introduced legislation in the Public Option Deficit Reduction Act, which would create a publicly administered insurance plan.

A robust public option would increase marketplace competition, lower premiums for consumers, lower the Federal deficit.

According to a 2014 study done by HHS, the rate review requirement included in ObamaCare saved consumers nearly $1 billion on insurance premiums in 2013.

I have introduced the Health Insurance Rate Review Act, which grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority to deny or modify unreasonable premium rate increases.

I also strongly support creating a public option to be offered in the marketplace.