Pelosi: Drug pricing measure under discussion for infrastructure package

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) says lawmakers are examining legislation to reduce prescription drug prices as part of the next major legislative package, which will focus on infrastructure. At an event hosted by pro-Democrat group Protect Our Care, she said: “One of the considerations that members are discussing is whether we have aspects of HR 3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now legislation.” That measure would enable the HHS secretary to negotiate lower prices as well as cap prices for drugs based on the prices paid in other countries, potentially saving about $450 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Republicans oppose the drug pricing legislation, contending it would harm drug innovation. Pharmaceutical companies also reject any drug pricing efforts. As for a public option for health insurance, Pelosi minimized the likelihood of its inclusion in the coming package. She said, “I want a public option, I don’t know that we get that in this bill, but this is an ongoing conversation.”