McMorris Rodgers Continues to Push for Lower Drug Costs and More Cures

Washington, D.C. (May 4, 2021) — Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today continued to push for lower drug costs and promote new cures. During today’s Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing, Cathy said the following:

“The story of American biomedical innovation is one that must be celebrated. It’s brought hope and early access to the most treatments in the world.

 “In the case of Khrystal Davis—who will share her story today—it saved her son’s life after doctors diagnosed him with Spinal Muscular Atrophy with no chance at survival. Khrystal and parents like her who have a child with a rare disease, they are fighting for the promise for the next game changing cure and treatment.

 “I’m certain that we have all heard before from caregivers and patient advocates like Khrystal. We’ve listened to people who want a fighting chance at life. That fighting chance comes with America leading.

 “Take Alzheimer’s, for example. We need major breakthroughs to transform how we treat this disease and slow its progression. It would lift one of today’s biggest cost and care burdens on both families and our health care system.

 “It’s more than just hope. Whether it’s a rare disease like SMA, cancer, or Alzheimer’s or another dementia, new cures and treatments are a very real possibility if we can protect and spur private investment for more discoveries.

“That brings me to H.R. 3, Speaker Pelosi’s government price control scheme before us today. According to the Congressional Budget Office, experts, and even the Speaker’s own colleagues – it would result in dozens of fewer cures.

 “Last Congress, the White House Council of Economic Advisers said it could lead to as many as 100 fewer drugs over the next decade. What could one of these be a cure or treatment for? We don’t know.

 “What we do know is, if H.R. 3 becomes law, we’d lose hope to cure cancer or treat genetic conditions. Instead of price controls, we should focus on the areas for bipartisan work.

 “We agree seniors and patients are paying too much out of their own pocket. Let’s address that, like we do in H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act. Let’s put a cap on seniors’ out-of-pocket costs and make the Medicare drug insurance program look more like an insurance program to protect them against catastrophic costs.

“Now more than ever, we should be working together on uniquely American solutions to save lives, lower costs, and uphold the dignity and right of every person to live a full life.

“Republicans have plowed the hard ground in H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act to build unity and deliver results. Let’s do this right for moms like Khrystal—not just for hope, but real lifesaving solutions too.”

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