Lampson Hails Passage Of Rx Drug Bill (With Floor Statement)

[Press Release from Cong. Nick Lampson (D-Stafford)]

Washington, DC — Congressman Nick Lampson (D-Stafford) this afternoon, following the vote to allow Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug costs, hailed the victory as a change in the direction of our nation.

“I will never forget the night of November 22, 2003, the darkest day of my service in Congress, when my former opponent offered bribes on the floor of the US House of Representatives on behalf of special interests to influence prescription drug legislation,” Lampson stated.  “I am proud to now be part of this inspired and honest effort to make a difference in the lives of America’s elderly and disabled.  Today, with the passage of this bi-partisan legislation, we begin a new direction for America, where Congress puts the people’s interests ahead of the special interests.”

H.R. 4, the bi-partisan Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, repeals provisions in current law that prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from negotiating with drug companies for lower prices for Medicare beneficiaries.  Instead, the bill would require the HHS Secretary to conduct such negotiations with drug companies on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.

“It is outrageous that millions of Americans are paying record prices while drug companies continue to report record profits.  Providing Medicare with the ability to negotiate drug prices is a monumental first step.  I hope it is just the beginning of expanding every American’s access to quality and affordable health care.”

H.R. 4 was introduced Friday, January 5, 2007.  It passed the House January 12, 2007 by a vote of 255 to 170.

Congressman Lampson’s Floor Statement regarding H.R. 4, the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act is below.

Congressman Nick Lampson Floor Statement

January 12, 2007

My mother was an extraordinary woman.  There is no doubt that Medicare helped Mother live the last of her 96 years with dignity and independence.  However, despite having one son as a doctor, one a pharmaceuticals executive, and one as a Member of Congress, our family still struggled to meet her needs.  And as a member of this body, I felt helpless and ashamed to know that there were millions more out there who are forced to decide between food and medicine each month.  I am proud to now be part of this inspired and honest effort to make a difference in the lives of America’s elderly and disabled.

Although mother is now gone, I can still make a difference for her sister, my 91 year old Aunt Mary.  She fell into the Part D donut hole, and pays thousands of dollars a month for her medication.  It is outrageous that my Aunt and millions of Americans are paying record prices while drug companies are reporting record profits.  Giving Medicare the ability to negotiate drug prices is a monumental first step.  I hope it is just the beginning of expanding every American’s access to quality and affordable health care.

I urge you all to think of your mothers and aunts when you cast your vote.  Do this for every one of your constituents who has to decide between meals and medicine.  Support H.R. 4 and show America that we are all dedicated to a new direction.