Chairman Arrington, Health Care Task Force Chair Burgess Laud Passage of Landmark Health Care Bills

Washington, D.C. — House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, and Health Care Task Force (HCTF) Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), released the following statements applauding the House passage of two bipartisan health care bills:

• H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, championed by Energy and Commerce Chairwoman McMorris Rogers, and;

• H.R. 4531, Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization (SUPPORT) Act, championed by Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chair, Rep. Guthrie.

The House Republican Conference has long been committed to making our nation’s health care system work better for all Americans. Passage of both bills are landmark legislative achievements in promoting patient access for critically needed care by lowering health care costs for patients through increasing transparency for health care costs and promoting access for those struggling with substance abuse.

HCTF Chair Burgess urged swift consideration of both bills in the Senate:

“I am grateful that the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act and the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act passed the House today. The Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act is our first line of defense in combating the opioid crisis and the war on fentanyl in the United States.

With its passage, more American patients will receive the proper care that they need. The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act will drive down the soaring cost of healthcare by allowing American patients to have a more transparent view of drug pricing. This legislation will play a vital role in the Health Care Task Force’s mission to drive down national health care spending while providing American patients quality care. I urge swift passage of both bills in the Senate.”

Included in the House passage of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act was a key provision from House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington’s bill “Better Deals and Lower Prices Act,” aimed at lowering premiums for working-class families.

Chairman Arrington released the following statement supporting passage:

“While America leads in medical innovation and ingenuity, our health care delivery system has fundamental flaws that disadvantage patients and taxpayers alike. By increasing transparency on prescription drug prices, we empower consumers to make informed decisions, inject much-needed competition into the health care market; and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent in the most cost-effective manner.