Pelosi Addresses Some Of The Rumblings Of Discontent From Progressives Over Leadership’s Drug Pricing Plan
The progressive wing of Democratic House lawmakers is angry over the way leadership has been crafting its drug pricing strategy. On Wednesday night, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would take one of their key criticisms and adjust the number of drugs that Medicare could negotiate over. Meanwhile, the progressives called for six drugmakers to testify over price increases next week.
The Hill:
Pelosi To Change Drug-Pricing Plan After Progressive Complaints
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is making changes to her drug pricing plan after complaints from the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). Pelosi told lawmakers, including the heads of the Progressive Caucus, during a private meeting Wednesday night that she had heard their complaints. (Sullivan, 6/12)
Stat:
House Progressives Invite Six Drug Makers Back To Capitol Hill
House progressives on Wednesday called for executives from six drug companies to appear on Capitol Hill next week to justify what the lawmakers termed unjustifiable price increases — the latest public display of displeasure from the Democratic Party’s left flank regarding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s approach to lowering pharmaceutical costs. (Facher, 6/12)
And in the upper chamber —
The Hill:
Senate Judiciary Committee Plans Markup Of Drug Pricing Bill This Month
The Senate Judiciary Committee is planning a markup of legislation to lower drug prices this month, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the panel’s chairman, told The Hill on Wednesday. The action from the Judiciary Committee is a sign of the movement on the issue of drug pricing in both parties, which could provide Congress with a rare bipartisan achievement this year. The Senate Finance Committee is also moving forward with drug pricing legislation this month or next. (Sullivan, 6/12)
