Tim Walberg: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Chair, as I travel across Michigan, I constantly hear about the high cost of…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Chair, as I travel across Michigan, I constantly hear about the high cost of prescription drugs. Hardworking families are simply paying too much. We agree on this, and that is why we need to tackle this issue in a bipartisan way, not try to score political points like, Madam Chair, I am hearing tonight. Sadly, H.R. 3 is a partisan, heavy-handed approach that has no chance of becoming law. Mr. Chair, let's be honest: Governments don't negotiate; they dictate. This drug-pricing scheme will ultimately hurt families, stifle innovation, and prevent lifesaving cures from becoming available to our friends, our neighbors, our families. Approximately 100 lifesaving drugs, according to the Council of Economic Advisers, won't come to fruition if H.R. 3 passes. Mr. Chair, I would dearly love to ask my colleagues: Which of those cures would we do away with? Alzheimer's? Parkinson's disease? Childhood cancers? Which ones would we give up for H.R. 3? There is a better approach, a plan that is patient-focused and filled with bipartisan provisions that enjoys support in the Senate, and, oh, by the way, the President would sign. It would become law. It would reduce the costs and increase innovation. It is H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act. Mr. Chair, this bill will strengthen transparency, encourage medical breakthroughs, and make medications that families rely on more affordable. If the other side is serious, Mr.…”