Washington (December 17, 2019) – As the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on a year-end spending package, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today expressed serious concerns to Senate Majority Mitch McConnell about the lack of meaningful attention given to rising prescription drug and health care costs in the massive legislation. Other than inclusion of one bill to make it easier for generic drug companies to get lower-priced products to market, the spending bill does not respond to the needs of Americans who are calling for lower drug prices and lower health care costs. In his letter, Senator Markey calls on the Senate Majority Leader to prioritize an holistic package of consumer health care protection in the next Congressional session.  

“Congress must use all available opportunities to prioritize patients’ needs over health care industry profits,” writes Senator Markey in his letter. 

Full text of Senator Markey’s letter can be found below. And a copy can be found HERE. 

December 17, 2019

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell

United States Senate

317 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Majority Leader McConnell,

I am disappointed that the year-end spending package, a wide-ranging bill that impacts a variety of policies, fails to meaningfully address the number one concern of our constituents ? rising prescription drug and health care costs. While the spending package does include the CREATES Act (S. 340), which will reduce unfair barriers to market entry for lower-priced generic drugs, it is critical that Congress consider a more robust and holistic package of consumer health care protections.  

Congress must use all available opportunities to prioritize patients’ needs over health care industry profits. I urge you to prioritize addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and surprise medical bills in the next congressional session. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Edward J. Markey

United States Senator

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