Vindman Condemns Republican Move to Block Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Military Families

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement after Republicans who serve with him on the House Armed Services Committee used a procedural maneuver to block lowering prescription drug costs for military families.

"At a time when service members, veterans, and military families are paying more for everything from groceries to gas to healthcare, I am appalled that my Republican colleagues chose to hide behind a procedural maneuver rather than help lower prescription drug costs for those who served our nation," said Vindman. "The last thing anyone who has worn the uniform should have to worry about is whether they can afford the medications they need. These brave men and women deserve leadership that matches their sacrifice. Today, they didn't get it."

Building on the success of the Inflation Reduction Act's drug price negotiation program, the MISSION Rx Act would require TRICARE and the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay either the CMS-negotiated price or the program's original price for prescription drugs, whichever is lower.

By paying the lowest available government-negotiated price, TRICARE and the VA would reduce spending on prescription drugs for servicemembers and their families while saving taxpayers billions. CMS estimates this policy could save up to $6 billion annually.

As CMS expands its drug price negotiations, the bill is designed to grow alongside the program, applying to any additional drugs subject to negotiated pricing in the future.

The MISSION Rx Act is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, the Fleet Reserve Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, and Commissioned Officers Association Public Health Service.

You can read full bill text here.

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