On the recordJune 7, 2022
Even though the 340B program has received such overwhelming support from Members of Congress, multiple administrations, hospitals, doctors, pharmacists, and patients, it still finds itself struggling to survive from relentless efforts to undermine its existence by some pharmaceutical companies refusing to abide by the law. HHS must take immediate enforcement action against all of these noncompliant drug companies. As many of us here tonight understand, the 340B program is an important avenue for offering lower drug prices for our most vulnerable citizens. It is often a lifeline of financial support for the small, rural hospitals in middle Tennessee and across the country. These very same hospitals are often the only source of care for communities in expansive geographic areas. I have no other word to describe it other than ``unconscionable'' that companies founded to help sick patients by providing lifesaving medication deliberately undermine a law to increase affordable access to their lifesaving medications. It is truly disgraceful. Tonight, we are going to hear more about this malpractice. I hope by highlighting this issue here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, we will encourage other Members of the House and the Senate to take immediate and decisive action to protect the 340B program.
