Bernie Sanders

We have to do better, and we can.

We need not seek a solution just for Sovaldi, but, really, systemic solutions.

This is a choice we are making. It is not determined by any objective reason, and to me, I think that is just unacceptable.

The United States paying, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs.

How come it is not $386 or $240? How did you come up to $540?

If we could snap our fingers today, how many folks are out there who could be treated with this new drug, if you would guess?

What we are looking at is very clearly a very, very excessive profit and a lot of that profit is going to be paid for by the taxpayers of this country.

I became aware of this issue when, as Senator Burr will remember, a number of months ago, VA came to us with a request for the funds they needed to deal with the problems in the VA.

The good news is that for the very first time, there is now available on the market an effective, fast working, and life-saving drug to treat a very, very serious illness in this country.

Today's hearing is dealing with a very, very important subject.

According to Medicare and Medicaid data, between July 2013 and July 2014, half of all generic drugs went up in price.

The American people cannot afford to lose access to lifesaving medications, but they also cannot afford astronomical, unexpected, and sudden new costs to their weekly and monthly budgets.

You think that consumers all over this country should be worrying about this trend.

Thank you very much.

We have heard from patients, doctors, pharmacists, hospitals, providers, and group purchasing organizations--all raising the alarm.

More than one out of four Americans do not fill their prescriptions because they cannot afford the cost.

I personally use the inhaler version of this drug myself, so I know how important it is for people with asthma and other lung conditions.

We, in the Congress of the United States, do not have the right to remain silent on this issue.

Congress should fix this loophole immediately.

Drug prices in this country are, by far, the highest in the world.

Totally absurd situation.

I consider myself lucky.

What is he telling them? According to a call he held with investors on fourth quarter earnings for 2014, his company just recorded its highest net sales, its highest gross margin, and its highest net income in their entire 72-year history.

We, as Members of Congress, have an obligation to our constituents to find out why [drug prices increase].

Let us be clear that these huge increases in generic drug prices not only drive up healthcare prices throughout America, which is a huge issue, but they impact the lives of very real people, many of whom are struggling economically.