The U.S. Congress
 
 
From 1989 through 2006, the Pharmaceutical Industry has poured $92 million into federal election campaigns. 72% of this has gone to Republicans. Prior to the passage of the Medicare Drug Prescription Modernization Act in 2003, the drug manufacturers (in addition to campaign contributions) spent $141 million on lobbying. They hired 952 lobbyists (about 10 lobbyists per U.S. Senator). The current Medicare prescription drug bill does not allow Medicare to negotiate lower prices directly with the drug companies. As a result, the insurance companies that operate under this act, pay about 70% more for prescription drugs than the Veteran’s Administration. The VA negotiates prices directly with the drug companies. The 110th Congress has a bill before it that would allow direct Medicare price negotiations with the drug companies. It passed in the House of Representatives 255 to 170. However, it has not been able to reach the floor of the Senate for consideration because of various tactics of some senators. In effect, the bill has been “killed” in the Senate. In my opinion, this is another example of how “drug money” adversely affects the health of senior citizens; and lowers the standard of living of millions of Americans. Contact both of your U.S. Senators. Click on this link http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Tell them to pass a bill that allows Medicare to negotiate with the drug companies for lower prices on prescription drugs.http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfmshapeimage_1_link_0
Who owns the U.S. Senate?  It might be the pharmaceutical industry.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Drug Money