Trump order slashing drug prices sows division among House Democrats

President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at slashing U.S. drug prices has sparked a mixed reaction among Democrats on Capitol Hill. While some lawmakers are cautiously optimistic about the initiative, others have dismissed it as mere bluster.

Many Democratic lawmakers who spoke with Fox News Digital expressed uncertainty about the details of the order. Rep. Richard Neal, the top Democrat on the House Ways & Means Committee, described the order as more “bark than bite,” suggesting that it may not have a significant impact. He emphasized the need to delve into the specifics before forming a final opinion.

On the other hand, Rep. George Latimer of New York, a first-term Democrat, voiced hopefulness about the order, emphasizing the importance of keeping drug costs low. He indicated a willingness to support initiatives that benefit people by lowering costs, but also stressed the need to thoroughly analyze the details of the order.

President Trump’s order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish price targets for pharmaceutical companies, aiming to align drug prices with those in other developed countries. Trump has promised substantial reductions in drug prices, with some prices expected to decrease by as much as 50 to 90 percent.

Rep. Lou Correa of California welcomed the move as a step in the right direction, emphasizing the importance of reducing drug costs. He expressed optimism but also highlighted the need for a closer examination of the order’s specifics. Similarly, Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas appeared more skeptical, questioning whether the order would lead to tangible reductions in drug prices.

House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar of California expressed doubts about the sincerity of President Trump’s efforts, characterizing them as a performance rather than a genuine attempt to address the issue of high drug prices. He criticized the lack of substantive action within the order and suggested that it was part of a broader political maneuver.

In contrast, Rep. Ro Khanna of California introduced a House bill to make Trump’s executive order a permanent policy. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Americans do not pay more for drugs than individuals in other countries, presenting the order as a positive step towards achieving that goal.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Trump defended his executive order as a means to address concerns raised by Democrats about the budget reconciliation bill pushed by Republicans. He argued that the order should alleviate Democrats’ worries and emphasized the potential benefits of his administration’s approach to reducing drug prices.

Overall, the reaction to President Trump’s executive order on drug prices among Democrats in Congress remains divided. While some lawmakers are cautiously optimistic about the initiative, others are more skeptical about its potential impact. The debate surrounding the order underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing the issue of high drug prices in the United States.