Rep. Barragan Votes to Strengthen Health Care and Lower Prescription Drug Costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan (CA-44) voted to pass H.R 987, the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act, a major piece of legislation that addresses two top concerns of the American people – lowering prescription drug prices and strengthening health care protections.
“For too long, the American people have demanded congressional action to lower the costs of prescription drugs and today, the House delivered,” said Rep. Barragan. “Time and again, my constituents have told me they can no longer afford their life-saving medications and are forced to ration their care or stop taking their prescriptions all together. Not only is this dangerous, it could result in death. While there is still more that must be done to drive down the cost of prescription drugs, this bill is a strong first step in ensuring all Americans can afford the medication they need. Getting more lower-priced generic drugs into the prescription drug market is a key way to create billions of dollars in cost savings for consumers and taxpayers. I’m proud to join my colleagues in passing this major legislation that will allow generics to enter the market, increase competition and keep drug prices low for Americans.”
Additionally, Rep. Barragan co-sponsored Rep. Anthony Brown’s amendment to H.R. 987 that will implement outreach and educational activities in areas with high health disparities.
“I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Brown, in cosponsoring his amendment implementing outreach and educational activities in areas with high health disparities,” said Rep. Barragan. “As someone who represents a district where nearly 90 percent of my constituents are Latino and African American, I know too well the devastating impact that health disparities have on our communities. By providing more opportunities to underserved communities to learn about their healthcare coverage options, more people will sign up for affordable care, more people will get treated when they become sick and more people will be able to live healthy and productive lives.”
The bipartisan legislative package includes the following three key drug pricing measures to remove barriers to lower-priced generic drugs getting to market and competing with brand-name drugs, thereby creating significant savings for consumers: the CREATES Act, the BLOCKING Act, the SAVE Act, the MORE Health Education Act & The ENROLL Act and the Rescinding the Trump Administration’s Devastating Junk Plan Rule.
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