October, 28 2021, 01:34pm EDT
Congress Must Lower Drug Prices and Expand Medicare in Build Back Better
WASHINGTON
The following is a statement from Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, in response to the White House releasing a draft reconciliation package that does nothing to lower drug prices:
"The White House's latest draft of the Build Back Better package is deeply flawed. Not only does the draft fail to lower drug prices, it also fails to add dental and vision benefits to Medicare.
There's nothing more popular with voters across the political spectrum than allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, and using the savings to expand Medicare benefits. Fortunately, it's not too late for Congressional Democrats to listen to the people.
A tiny group of corporate Democrats, led by Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin, are trying to sabotage Build Back Better. Progressives must stand strong and refuse to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure package until there is full text of the Build Back Better package, not just a framework.
The final Build Back Better package must include robust provisions to lower drug prices and expand Medicare. We need a package that's built for working people, not for Big Pharma lobbyists."
Social Security Works' mission is to: Protect and improve the economic security of disadvantaged and at-risk populations; Safeguard the economic security of those dependent, now or in the future, on Social Security; and Maintain Social Security as a vehicle of social justice.
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