G. K. Butterfield: “the Republican leaders of this Congress talk about what they have accomplished during this session. But the fact is…”

“the Republican leaders of this Congress talk about what they have accomplished during this session. But the fact is, that we have met fewer days than any Congress in history. I am ashamed to say that they have made us the most do nothing Congress ever to serve. Instead of actually tackling the issues that concern average American families, the Republicans have passed legislation to help their wealthy friends and the huge corporations that support their campaigns. One example of this is the flawed Medicare prescription drug benefit. This program could have provided significant help to those who need it the most. Instead, it now helps those who need it the least, the drug companies. Democrats believe that the Secretary of Health and Human Services should have the authority to negotiate for lower drug prices under Medicare, just as the VA does. And so I call on the Republican majority, again, to allow HHS to negotiate drug prices. It will help our seniors and it will help balance the Federal budget.”