Will Pharma’s campaign contributions to House Democrats keep them from bringing down drug prices?

Claire McCaskill and Bernie Sanders were vocal proponents for rejecting this industry money. Unfortunately, McCaskill, a Missouri Senator, lost her bid for re-election. Charles Schumer, the Senate’s Democratic leader, has not spoken against corporate campaign contributions. In response to a question about whether candidates should take money from the pharmaceutical industry, he told reporters: “We do what the right thing is, period, and no ifs, ands, or buts.”

The health insurance and pharmaceutical industries are two of the biggest contributors to political campaigns, largely supporting incumbents. They donate tens of millions of dollars in an election cycle.  That money allows these industries to build relationships with lawmakers and influence their decision-making down the line.

Two Democrats, who will be House Committee chairs in 2019, Reps. Frank Pallone (N.J.) and Richard Neal (Mass.), are beneficiaries of health insurance and pharmaceutical industry money. They will wield significant influence now that the House has shifted to a Democratic majority. We must impress upon them that their acceptance of this industry money should not keep them from serving their constituents and the American people well.

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