Democrats are sharply divided over whether to require drugmakers to negotiate their prices with the federal government.
Democrats are sharply divided over whether to require drugmakers to negotiate prices with the federal government, a rift threatening key parts of President Biden’s $3.5-trillion social safety net bill — including the possible expansion of Medicare and Obamacare — and one that could put the entire effort at risk.
Democrats hope to enact their overall plan in the coming weeks, but the policy differences and the slim margins in both chambers suggest that consensus could take months to reach. Biden was due to meet Wednesday with two moderate Senate Democrats who oppose the $3.5-trillion price tag, Sens. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
Peters, as well as Reps. Kurt Schrader and Kathleen Rice , the three Democrats who oppose the prescription drug plan, have drawn the ire of fellow Democrats, progressives and advocacy groups, who for years have been fighting to lower drug prices. Pallone had lobbied the trio to stay on board to advance the bill out of committee. While Democrats have other means of advancing the provision through another committee, they will need those votes on the House floor.
In the Senate, Democrats are similarly divided over prescription drug policy, but generally are closer to Peters’ proposal than the existing House plan.“There are differences of opinion,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden said, adding that “a number” of senators say they can’t support the House bill.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fact Check: Is Joe Biden withholding health benefits from unvaccinated veterans?The president's position on vaccines has come under scrutiny amid sweeping new rules in the fight against COVID.
Read more »
Centrist Democrats scramble House drug pricing effortThree centrist House Dems threw their party's health care agenda into disarray today by blocking a plan that would have authorized direct government negotiation of drug prices and help pay for a $3.5 trillion social spending bill
Read more »
Senate Democrats introduce new voting rights billSenate Democrats introduce their latest version of a sweeping election reform bill to counter voting restrictions that have passed in GOP-led states, which they say make it harder for minorities and low-income Americans to cast a ballot.
Read more »
U.S. judge blocks N.Y. vaccine mandate for healthcare workersA U.S. judge in New York on Tuesday temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a requirement that healthcare workers receive COVID-19 vaccines against the wishes of employees with religious objections.
Read more »
EU chief calls for more military independence amid new 'era of regional rivalries'There is a new international order, where competition is fierce and some nations 'stop at nothing to gain influence,' President Ursula von der Leyen said.
Read more »
New Jackie Chan Film ‘Ride On’ Start Shooting Amid Early Musings of Box Office TroubleJackie Chan has begun shooting his next film, a martial arts-based comedy about a man and his horse, entitled “Ride On.” The 67-year-old superstar remains as prolific as ever, churning out a movie …
Read more »