House Votes Insulin Cap, As Democrat Seeks Bipartisan Path Forward In Senate
Republican Cathy McMorris Rodgers slams legislation on House floor
As the House passed legislation Thursday which would cap life-saving insulin at just $35 per month, a Senate Democrat said that she is actively looking for bipartisan support which could pass the Senate and actually become law.
A vial of insulin costs drugmakers less than $10 to make, but Big Pharma forces families to pay up to $1,000 for a month’s supply. Insulin is necessary for diabetics across the country.
The Affordable Insulin Now Act would cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at just $35 per month.
Twelve Republicans joined all Democrats to pass the measure on a vote of 232-193.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) said that she is working with Sen Susan Collins (R-Maine), to see that the bill doesn't just die from a Republican filibuster in the Senate.
“I appreciate the resolve in the House to cap the price of insulin. To make sure no one is ever priced out of life-saving medication, @SenatorCollins & I continue our bipartisan negotiations around comprehensive insulin legislation that can ultimately be signed into law,” Shaheen tweeted.
A prominent House Republican, who used to serve on the leadership team, savaged the legislation, however, ahead of today's vote.
“Today, it’s the government fixing the price on insulin. What’s next? Gas?” Rep Cathy McMorris Rodgers mocked.
Her remarks drew criticism.
“Not sure about the comparison WA Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers is making here. Insulin is life saving medicine for millions of Americans and has tripled in price over the last decade, making it unaffordable for many,” tweeted John Hopperstad, reporter/anchor for Fox 13 in Seattle, Wash.
A Democrat looking to defeat Rodgers in November also took aim at her opposition to the Affordable Insulin Now Act.
“Today, on the House floor, Cathy McMorris Rodgers gave a speech in opposition of lowering insulin costs for millions of Americans. I support capping insulin payments, and I will defeat Cathy in November,” Ann Marie Danimus tweeted.
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