Politico and Roll Call report that Washington Republicans are fighting to stop the emergency coronavirus package…from making a future vaccine affordable.
Negotiators are still haggling over several key details, including language that would make sure vaccines are affordable for all populations, according to people familiar with the talks.
Roll Call reports that Republicans are fighting efforts to ensure a vaccine is affordable while “Democrats are arguing that since the emergency COVID-19 aid bill would make a large public investment in developing a vaccine, “it only makes sense to ensure that taxpayers are not forced to pay inflated prices for a lifesaving product they already paid to develop.””
On Monday, the DCCC launched digital ads demanding Republicans stand up to the Trump Administration’s refusal to make a vaccine affordable for working families. Politico and Roll Call’s reporting confirms that Washington Republicans are siding with the White House and their drug manufacturing allies.
Statement From DCCC Spokesperson Robyn Patterson
“It’s disturbing that Washington Republicans are holding up coronavirus funding so that they can pad their pockets of drug manufacturers and special interests. Washington Republicans are already blocking bipartisan House-passed legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. It’s disgraceful that their obedience to drug manufacturers is holding up the government’s response to a virus that threatens millions of Americans.”