A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the "Regulate the Price of All Drugs Act" to set fair prices for approved prescription drugs. It creates a Prescription Drug Price Regulatory Commission to recommend prices to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Secretary then establishes and publishes these fair prices for individuals, pharmacies, and providers to access. Manufacturers who fail to provide access at these prices face significant civil penalties. The bill also includes provisions for price revisions, temporary waivers, and potential patent licensing actions. Additionally, it allows the use of the Defense Production Act to increase domestic drug supplies when necessary.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +9
Does this lower the price of prescription medicines?
The bill establishes a regulatory mechanism to cap the prices of approved prescription drugs at a determined fair price.
- Scored +7
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Reducing drug costs provides significant relief to households with limited income.
- Scored +7
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill significantly expands the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the President via the Defense Production Act.
The opposite
- Scored -6
Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer?
The bill allows the government to claim licenses from existing drug patents if manufacturers do not comply with pricing rules.
- Scored -2
Is this likely to grow the economy?
The bill's potential to impact patent exclusivity and revenue for manufacturers could dampen private investment in drug development.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Affordable Drugs: The bill establishes fair prices that must be provided to any "fair price eligible individual" (Section 2(a)(1)(A); Section 3(a)(1)).
-
Price Protections for Providers: Hospitals, physicians, and other providers can access drugs at the established fair prices (Section 2(a)(1)(B); Section 3(a)(2)).
-
Protection Against Excessive Pricing: The bill prohibits selling or offering for sale a drug at a price that exceeds the published fair price (Section 4(a)).
-
Consumer Recourse: Individuals injured by violations of the pricing rules may bring a private action in court to seek damages or an injunction (Section 4(d)(1)).
-
State-Level Protections: State attorneys general may bring civil actions on behalf of residents if their interests are threatened by pricing violations (Section 4(c)(1)).
-
Ensuring Drug Availability: The President can use the Defense Production Act to increase the domestic supply of drugs if there are inadequate facilities or unreliable foreign supplies (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Financial Penalties for Manufacturers: Companies that do not provide access to the fair price are subject to civil penalties equal to 10 times the difference between the price charged and the fair price (Section 3(d)(1)).
-
Risk to Patent Ownership: The Secretary of Health and Human Services may claim a license—which can be exclusive—from a patent owner if the drug is sold above the fair price or if there is inadequate supply (Section 5).
-
Potential for Price Changes: The Secretary has the authority to revise established fair prices due to changes in supply or demand (Section 3(b)).
-
Limited Price Consistency: The Secretary may authorize temporary waivers allowing manufacturers to sell drugs at prices higher than the established fair price (Section 3(c)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Reducing drug costs provides significant relief to households with limited income. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Lower prescription drug prices will benefit seniors who rely on medications. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Fairer drug pricing reduces the overall cost of living for middle-income families. Would union members be better off under this? — The bill provides more stable healthcare costs for workers and their families.
- Healthcare
- Does this lower the price of prescription medicines? — The bill establishes a regulatory mechanism to cap the prices of approved prescription drugs at a determined fair price. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Lower drug prices can increase access to essential medications for patients and providers.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill significantly expands the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the President via the Defense Production Act. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the publication of established fair prices for the public to access.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer? — The bill allows the government to claim licenses from existing drug patents if manufacturers do not comply with pricing rules.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill provides strong consumer protections through price regulation and a private right of action against overcharging. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill's potential to impact patent exclusivity and revenue for manufacturers could dampen private investment in drug development.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill includes the Veterans Health Administration as an ex officio member of the regulatory commission to assist in price setting.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs can alleviate financial burdens on low-income families.
- 5/26/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House