Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., has introduced legislation intended to make President Donald Trump’s executive order on reducing prescription drug prices a permanent policy. The bill, which aims to establish a framework for Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies, is part of an ongoing effort to curb the rising cost of medications in the United States.
The Trump administration’s executive order, issued in 2019, directed the Department of Health and Human Services to explore methods for decreasing prescription drug costs. Khanna’s proposal would transform this directive into a statutory obligation, ensuring that Medicare can engage in price negotiations with manufacturers to potentially lower out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries. This move has sparked discussions among policymakers and healthcare advocates regarding the potential impact on drug pricing and the pharmaceutical industry.
While the legislation is framed as a continuation of Trump’s policies, it also reflects the broader debate over the role of government in regulating healthcare costs. Critics argue that such measures could lead to reduced innovation in drug development, while supporters contend that they are necessary to protect consumers from exorbitant prices. As the proposal moves through Congress, it is expected to face scrutiny and potential amendments before it can be enacted into law.