Congresswoman Nikema Williams Reintroduces Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

(WASHINGTON) — Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Plain Prescription Prices Act, legislation that would require direct-to-consumer television advertisements for prescription drugs to include a statement of the drug’s list price. This change will empower consumers to hold drug manufacturers accountable if they spike prescription drug prices for profit. Congresswoman Williams introduced similar legislation in the 117th Congress. Representative Katie Porter (CA-47) is co-leading the introduction of the Plain Prescription Prices Act.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said: 

“Quality, affordable healthcare must include transparent prescription pricing. Constituents have shared horrific stories of rationing prescriptions or struggling to put food on the table just to keep up with skyrocketing medication costs. It’s time to hold Big Pharma accountable for their actions in pursuit of excessive profits. The Plain Prescription Prices Act will lower the cost of prescription drugs for everyone and put power on the side of consumers, so they can make the best choices for their healthcare.”

Representative Katie Porter (CA-47) said: 

“Big Pharma spends billions each year marketing their drugs, yet most Americans have no clue what they cost. As I revealed in an oversight hearing, the pharmaceutical industry can lead the way on price transparency—they are choosing not to, so they can continue cheating patients. I’m proud to co-lead the Plain Prescription Prices Act to hold Big Pharma accountable for being honest with the American people.”

The Plain Prescription Prices Act is endorsed by several of the leading consumer healthcare advocacy organizations including: Protect Our Care and Public Citizen. 

Peter Maybarduk, Access to Medicines Director at Public Citizen said: 

“Prescription drug corporations hide and sow confusion about medicine prices in order to keep those prices high. The more consumers know, the better choices they can make. The more accountability for drug corporations, the better our collective ability to make medicine affordable. Public Citizen endorses the Plain Prescription Prices Act and thanks Representative Williams for standing up for transparency.” 

Joe Binns, Protect Our Care Georgia State Director said:

“The Plain Prescription Prices Act is a crucial step to lower drug prices and put more money in families’ pockets. Americans pay three times more for their medications than people in other countries, and the United States is among a small handful of countries that allow drug companies to market their products on television, making it essential that these ads are honest and not misleading about the cost of the drugs they advertise. Rep. Williams’ legislation will increase transparency, put drug company greed on full display, and lower prices for the American people. We commend Rep. Williams’s commitment to lowering costs for Georgians and people across the nation.”

Click here for the text of the Plain Prescription Prices Act. 

Click here for a one-pager on the Plain Prescription Prices Act. 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District on the exclusive Financial Services Committee. She is a champion of voting rights and builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement as co-chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. Congresswoman Williams is committed to closing the racial wealth gap and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of your ZIP code or bank account.

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