On the recordDecember 11, 2019
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the consequences of the drug pricing bill H.R. 3. There is no doubt we must act to lower prescription drug prices for Americans and for Americans to pay only their fair share. However, this bill is not the right path. We often hear stories about the way other countries pay for their drugs and other country payment systems. What you don't often hear are stories about patients who are unable to receive care and access to lifesaving drugs because of the limitations in their country. For Louise Moorhouse, we have examples of how much less is offered in these other countries, but it is personal. For example, Louise Moorhouse is a teacher in England. Hope was within reach when she enrolled in a trial for Kuvan, a drug used to treat PKU, a rare genetic metabolic disorder. If left untreated, the disease can result in mild to severe neurological issues. When Louise was in the clinical trial for Kuvan, she was able to eat and function like anyone else. Sadly, Louise discovered after the trial that the drug that helped her live a more normal life was not covered by the United Kingdom's National Health Service. Despite the agency's acknowledgment of the drug's efficacy, as the drug is not covered by the NHS, she no longer has access to this drug. Instead, she has returned to taking 80 pills a day, in conjunction with a highly restrictive diet.…
