Political Quotes

“Mr. President, let me first thank and recognize Senator Grassley for his farsighted, courageous leadership on this issue of vital importance to the American people, the escalating costs of prescription drugs. Under Senator Grassley's chairmanship, the Finance Committee has held numerous hearings on drug pricing. His diligence, his persistence on this issue has produced the bipartisan Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act, a bold and effective set of proposals that I strongly endorse and look forward to seeing signed into law. This past century could well be called the age of miracle drugs, from insulin and penicillin to pharmaceuticals that treat cancer, HIV, heart disease, and so many other serious conditions, modern drugs have been proven to improve, extend, and even save lives. In our time, however, we might define a miracle drug as one that has not doubled in price since the last refill. With prescription drugs among the key factors driving up the cost of healthcare, it is essential that we approve policies that both encourage innovation and protect consumers, particularly our seniors. Demonstrating the importance of this challenge, three Senate committees--the Senate Finance Committee, ably chaired by Senator Grassley, which I mentioned earlier; the Senate HELP Committee, which is led by our friend and colleague Senator Lamar Alexander; and the Judiciary Committee, which is led by Senator Graham--have advanced bills aimed at reforming our broken drug pricing system.…”