H.R.3375 - Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3375, the "Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act," aims to lower prescription drug costs by capping the retail list price of certain drugs and biological products in the United States. The cap would be based on the average retail list price of the same drugs in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The bill mandates data collection from drug manufacturers and establishes civil monetary penalties for violations.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would likely lead to lower prescription drug prices for American consumers. This could improve access to essential medications. Drug manufacturers might experience reduced profits, potentially affecting investment in research and development.
Potential Benefits
- Lower prescription drug costs for consumers.
- Increased access to medications, particularly for those with limited financial resources.
- Potential savings for government healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
- Reduced financial burden on families and individuals.
- Could incentivize drug companies to focus on innovation rather than price increases.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced profits for pharmaceutical companies, potentially leading to decreased investment in research and development.
- Potential for drug shortages if manufacturers choose not to sell certain drugs in the US at the capped price.
- Possible legal challenges from pharmaceutical companies.
- Increased administrative burden for the Secretary of Health and Human Services in calculating and enforcing price caps.
- May lead to increased drug prices in other countries as companies try to offset lost revenue in the US.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is primarily based on Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) and to provide for the general welfare of the United States (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1). The regulation of drug prices falls under the purview of interstate commerce, as it involves the production, distribution, and sale of goods across state lines. The "general welfare" clause allows Congress to enact laws that promote the health and well-being of the population, which includes ensuring access to affordable medications. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).