() Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has endorsed President Donald Trump’s executive order directing drugmakers to lower prescription drug costs in the United States but has called for stronger action.
Under the order issued Monday, drugmakers have 30 days to reduce prices or face new restrictions on how much the government will pay for medications.
Sanders, a long-time advocate for lower drug prices, welcomed the move but called on Trump to support legislation he plans to introduce that would keep U.S. drug prices in line with those of other major countries.
In a statement, Sanders agreed that Americans pay more for prescription drugs than people in Europe and Canada. However, he said the problem isn’t low prices in other countries but that the pharmaceutical industry is “ripping off the American people” and making billions in profit off of those in need.
Sanders also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of Trump’s order, suggesting the president likely knows it would not hold up in court. He challenged Trump to support reform through congressional action.
“If Republicans and Democrats come together on this legislation, we can get it passed in a few weeks,” Sanders said.
Critics: Trump attempting ‘price controls’
Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy benefit managers are already pushing back on Trump’s order. Critics argue the plan amounts to government price controls and could hinder medical innovation.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America called the executive order “a bad deal for American patients and workers.” It warned the plan would make the U.S. “more reliant on China for innovative medicines.”
Biotech industry advocates also warned that shifting to Trump’s “most favored nation” pricing could prove to be devastating for medical innovation firms.
Legal challenges to Trump’s executive order likely
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is currently leading negotiations to bring U.S. prices more in line with countries like Canada, Germany and the U.K.
While the White House estimates the plan could cut drug costs by 30 to 80%, any meaningful savings will likely take time.
Legal challenges to the order are expected. Portions of the plan may require congressional approval, and drugmakers could sue.
A similar effort during Trump’s first term was struck down.
Under former President Joe Biden, Medicare began negotiating drug prices last year, but the changes won’t take effect until next year.
