WASHINGTON DC (May 1, 2019) — The House Judiciary Committee yesterday advanced four legislative proposals similar or identical to plans offered by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles "Chuck" Grassley, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, aimed at improving competition and affordability in the prescription-drug market.
“So often, we hear that political differences in Washington are preventing progress on important matters facing our country. But it’s clear that improving access to affordable medications is a cause that lawmakers from across the political spectrum can support. I’m encouraged by the growing momentum in Congress to make sure the prescription drug market is working for patients and taxpayers alike,” Sen Grassley said.
The House Judiciary Committee reported the following four bills to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. Sen Grassley has authored or sponsored similar or identical versions of each bill in the Senate:
Prescription Pricing for the People Act
Sen Grassley authored the identical Senate version of this bill, which requires the Federal Trade Commission to study the role and recent merger activity of pharmacy benefit managers, as well as possible anticompetitive behavior. The House Judiciary Committee approved its version by voice vote.
Stop Significant and Time-wasting Abuse Limiting Legitimate Innovation of New Generics (Stop STALLING) Act
Sen Grassley is the lead Republican sponsor of the Senate version of the Stop STALLING Act, which curbs sham petitions by drugmakers to delay FDA approval of lower-cost generic alternatives. The House Judiciary Committee approved its similar version by voice vote.
Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act
Sen Grassley is the lead Republican sponsor of the Senate version of the CREATES Act, which deters pharmaceutical companies from blocking cheaper generic alternatives from entering the marketplace by preventing access to drug samples needed for testing. The House Judiciary Committee approved a similar version by voice vote. Earlier this month, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the same House bill by a vote of 51-0.
Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act
Sen Grassley is the lead Republican sponsor of the Senate version of this bill, which cracks down on anti-competitive pay-for-delay deals in which branded companies pay their generic competitors not to compete as part of a patent settlement. The House Judiciary Committee approved a similar version by voice vote. Earlier this month, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a separate version of this bill by voice vote.
