A measure lawmakers have been working on for months to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices will not move forward before Congress leaves for the August recess, said a key Democrat involved in the legislation.
“I really wanted to see that done pre-August, and I don’t think that’s going to be the case,” said Rep. Anna EshooAnna Georges EshooDemocratic chair: Medicare negotiating drug prices not moving before August House bill targets use of Pentagon networks for child pornography Bipartisan House duo unveils amendment to block Iran strike without Congress’s approval MORE (D-Calif.), the chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee.
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Allowing Medicare to negotiate prices with drug companies is one of House Democrats’ top priorities, but the party has been trying to overcome divisions on how to structure the proposal. Progressive lawmakers are pushing Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiHouse Democrat pushes for censuring Trump in closed-door meeting Trump: I don’t have a racist bone in my body Ocasio-Cortez responds to fresh criticism from Trump MORE (D-Calif.) to take what they view as a stronger line against drug companies.
House Majority Leader Steny HoyerSteny Hamilton HoyerOcasio-Cortez responds to fresh criticism from Trump House Democrats introduce resolution condemning Trump for ‘racist’ comments Feehery: Trump inspires temporary House Democratic unity MORE (D-Md.) told reporters Tuesday that there is no agreement yet on the legislation.
“The committee’s still discussing it,” Hoyer said, later adding, “They have not reached agreement on that so it’s doubtful it will be next week.”
Progressive lawmakers are pushing for a mechanism that would strip drug companies of their monopolies if they refused to negotiate a reasonable price with Medicare. Pelosi’s office and key committee leaders have been discussing a different approach to have an outside arbiter step in to set the price if Medicare and the drug company cannot agree.
“I don’t have any timetable, I just know that we’re working on it,” House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr.Frank Joseph PalloneHillicon Valley: Twitter says Trump ‘go back’ tweet didn’t violate rules | Unions back protests targeting Amazon ‘Prime Day’ | Mnuchin voices ‘serious concerns’ about Facebook crypto project | Congress mobilizes on cyber threats to electric grid Congress mobilizes on cyber threats to electric grid Overnight Health Care — Sponsored by Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids — White House withdraws controversial rule to eliminate drug rebates | Grassley says deal on drug prices moving ‘very soon’ | Appeals court declines to halt Trump abortion referral ban MORE (D-N.J.) told reporters last week.
Progressive groups have been anxious for Democrats to act on one of their top priorities.
Asked how work is coming on the measure, Eshoo replied, “It’s above my paygrade.”
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