Marilyn Strickland: “This is an interesting debate because it is not primarily between Democrats and Republicans; it is between the people…”

“This is an interesting debate because it is not primarily between Democrats and Republicans; it is between the people and the pharmaceutical companies. The gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), the distinguished chair of my committee, says he is concerned about safety, that if we pass this bill people may die. I contend that people are dying every day in this country. People are dying because they are not getting the medicines they need because they cannot afford the medicines they need. Does the gentleman believe if we pass this bill others may die? I believe if we do not pass this bill there will be many Americans who will die as a result of our inaction.”