Washington, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1425, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act.
“At a time when the entire world is counting on the great United States innovators to find a vaccine and treatments for COVID-19, the Speaker doubled down on the Democrats’ partisan drug pricing scheme that kills American research jobs and results in fewer treatments and cures. That’s simply something we cannot afford, especially during a pandemic. I’m all for working to lower drug costs, and I have a bipartisan alternative ready. Unfortunately, when each day brings more human and financial loss, Democrats continue to waste valuable time with partisan bills that are never intended to become law," said Walden.
Walden spoke on the House floor in opposition of H.R. 1425. You can watch his remarks HERE. Additionally, Walden offered a Motion to Recommit that would prevent H.R. 1425 from being enacted until the Secretary of Health and Human Services certifies - in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - that no provision of the bill will adversely affect the research and development of any drug or vaccine intended to treat or prevent infection related to COVID-19. You can watch Walden offer the MTR HERE.
