House Joint Resolution No. 3

Introduced By debruycker



A Joint Resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of Montana urging Congress to continue to investigate exorbitant drug prices that are being charged to customers in the United States.



WHEREAS, the ever-increasing cost of prescription drugs is causing a hardship for low-income seniors and low-income persons of all ages; and

WHEREAS, the problem is not caused by local pharmacists who at this time are engaged in a class action suit to correct this injustice; and

WHEREAS, some of the cost of research and development of prescription drugs is funded through the National Institutes of Health and paid for by tax dollars; and

WHEREAS, the prescription drugs manufactured by these United States companies can be purchased in Canada or Mexico for one-half to one-third of the cost in the United States; and

WHEREAS, most seniors are reliant on Medicare, which does not pay for most prescription drugs; many Americans' health insurance does not cover prescription drugs; and altogether, consumers purchase three-quarters of all prescription drugs out of pocket;

WHEREAS, many seniors live on fixed incomes, and incomes have not kept pace with the prices of prescription drugs that from 1980 to 1991 outpaced the general inflation rate 3 to 1; and

WHEREAS, certain consumers have no recourse other than to use drugs regulated by the federal Orphan Drug Act, and the prices of these drugs are not subject to market pressures.



NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the United States Congress continue its investigation into the reasons for the exorbitant drug prices charged to customers who have no other alternatives and enact legislation to remedy this situation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and each member of the Montana Congressional Delegation.

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