Conservative group to spend $4M attacking Pelosi’s drug pricing plan

A conservative group plans to spend $4 million on an advertising campaign targeting Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) drug pricing plan. 

The American Action Network — a group aligned with House GOP leadership — will air the ads in 28 House districts, including some where Republicans are running competitive races in 2020, including GOP Reps. David Schweikert (Ariz.), Rodney Davis (Ill.) and Scott Perry (Pa.).

Democrats plan to run on the issue of high drug costs in 2020, touting their House-passed plan, which would require the federal government negotiate lower prices for drugs covered by Medicare.

Polls show Medicare price negotiation is extremely popular with voters, putting Republicans, who don’t support the plan, in a tight spot. 

Instead, Republicans rolled out an alternative drug pricing plan that would not allow price negotiation but does cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors on Medicare. It would also require drug companies submit justifications to the government for large price hikes. 

“These members of Congress have a better plan: one that will make prescription drugs more affordable for patients and kickstart the innovation of new drugs and cures patients need right now,” said American Action Network President Dan Conston. 

Republicans argue the Democrats’ bill would lead to fewer drug developments in the U.S.

A report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated the bill would lead to eight fewer drugs being introduced to the market over the 2020-2029 period. Under current rules, the Food & Drug Administration approves about 30 new drugs a year. 

But Democrats argue current federal law allows drug companies to price-gouge taxpayers. 

According to the CBO, the negotiation provision would save the government $456 billion over 10 years. That money would be used to pay for dental, vision and hearing benefits for Medicare beneficiaries.