WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Devin Nunes (R-CA) delivered the following opening statement at a Subcommittee Hearing on More Cures for More Patients: Overcoming Pharmaceutical Barriers.

CLICK HERE to watch the hearing.

Remarks as prepared for delivery: 

“Thank you, Chairman Doggett, for hosting this hearing and thank you to our witnesses for sharing their thoughts on this important topic.

“Lowering drug prices is a bipartisan priority. But I find it slightly ironic that the title of the hearing is ‘More Cures,’ when every independent analysis of the Democrats’ bill—H.R. 3—has found it would reduce the number of cures available for families — including an 88 percent reduction in the number of drugs brought to market by small and emerging companies in my home state of California.

“Every Republican here believes the status quo is unacceptable. Both parties can work together to lower drug prices for families without reducing cures, but H.R. 3 is not the answer. Instead, we should bring up H.R. 19 — a bipartisan, bicameral bill which, unlike the Democrats’ drug takeover, can actually pass the Senate and become law.

“Everyone here has promised to lower drug prices. H.R. 19 will deliver on that promise while incentivizing new cures instead of jeopardizing them. One area of H.R. 19 we will focus on today is policies to modernize Part D — a shared priority for Republicans and Democrats alike that will transform this popular and under-budget program for millions of seniors.

“In his State of the Union address, President Trump said, ‘I am calling for bipartisan legislation that achieves the goal of dramatically lowering prescription drug prices. Get a bill to my desk, and I will sign it into law without delay.’

“An effective, bipartisan bill to lower drug prices is possible. Both parties agree on so much.

“We both believe in making overpriced drugs affordable for American families.

“We both believe in stopping drug companies from gaming the system.

“We both believe in transparency.

“We both believe in empowering patients by providing them reliable information.

“And we both believe in eliminating distortions that reward bad behavior.

“Let’s work together to ensure Americans have more choices, not less, and that medical innovations are encouraged, not suppressed.  

“We are so close, let’s cooperate and get this done.”