On the recordJune 7, 2022
I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for his comments. Certainly, his comments focus so much on the importance of the 340B program. We know that rural hospitals are the lifeblood of their communities. They often serve as the largest employer in a town and a way to keep and attract young people to that community. Rural hospitals are already in crisis, and since 2005, more than 180 rural hospitals have closed their doors. One reason why that number is not higher is the 340B program. Savings from 340B discounts and community pharmacies are half of all the savings for rural hospitals. If these losses are allowed to stand and grow bigger, we will face a real crisis across rural America. Recent actions by the pharmaceutical companies threaten the ability of rural hospitals to stay open, costing them, on average, $229,000. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. O'Halleran).
