CONGRESS PASSES BILL FORCING GOVERNMENT TO NEGOTIATE FOR MEDICARE RX PRICES

01/12/2007

ST. PAUL (1/12/07) – Today, Minnesota Democrats in Congress voted to pass legislation requiring the federal government to negotiate for Medicare prescription-drug prices. The bill will encourage better prices for seniors and American families by letting the government bargain with pharmaceutical companies for a group rate. The bill passed 255-170.

In addition to improving how the federal government does business with prescription-drug companies, the Democratic-led U.S. House has passed historic ethics reforms, a minimum-wage increase and the bi-partisan 9-11 Commission recommendations.

“The first full week of the 110th Congress has already been more productive and beneficial to the American people than two years of Republican misrule,” Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez said. “Today, Minnesota Democrats kept their promise to focus on improving the cost of health care for Minnesota families.

“Our seniors deserve to know that Washington hears their concerns. Today, our Democratic representatives delivered.”