After November 7, 2006: Democrats to Push for Cheaper Drugs and Stricter Oversight of Drug Industry

Democrats, who will have control of both houses when Congress reconvenes next year, say they intend to push for legislation that will lower drug prices and tighten regulation of the pharmaceutical industry. They want to encourage the development of more generic drugs, allow imported drugs from Canada, investigate drug pricing and advertising, repeal legislation that limits vaccine manufacturers’ liability, and give the government the authority to negotiate lower drug prices for people on Medicare. [New York Times, 11/24/2006; Associated Press, 11/24/2006] In response, the drug industry begins hiring lobbyists with Democratic connections, with the hope of preventing the passage of these initiatives (see After November 7, 2006).