Bills · HR 3391
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3391Health
End Price Gouging for Medications Act
INTRO MAY 14· LAST ACTION JUL 2
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because high prescription drug costs are a major concern for many Americans, often leading to difficult choices between medication and other necessities. If this bill becomes law, it would directly address this issue by capping drug prices, potentially making essential medications more affordable and accessible for everyone, regardless of their insurance status. This could reduce financial burdens on families and individuals, and potentially lower healthcare spending for federal programs.
Conversely, if the bill does not pass, drug manufacturers would continue to have significant autonomy in setting drug prices in the U.S., which could lead to continued high costs for consumers and federal programs compared to other countries. The debate over this bill highlights the ongoing tension between drug affordability and the financial incentives for pharmaceutical innovation.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish annual reference prices for each prescription drug.
This sets a new standard for drug pricing in the U.S., creating a cap on what manufacturers can charge.
PROVISION 02
Reference prices are primarily based on the lowest retail price found in a list of twelve developed countries, or on specific factors if international data is insufficient.
This ties U.S. drug prices to international benchmarks, aiming to reduce the cost discrepancies compared to other nations.
PROVISION 03
The established reference price cannot be exceeded for enrollees in federal health programs (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, etc.) and must be offered to all other purchasers, including the uninsured and those with private insurance.
This broadens the impact of price caps beyond federal programs to virtually all drug purchasers in the U.S., aiming for universal affordability.
PROVISION 04
Drug manufacturers who do not comply are subject to a civil penalty equal to five times the difference between their actual sales revenue and what they would have earned at the reference price within federal programs.
This provision provides a strong enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with the new pricing rules.
PROVISION 05
Amounts collected from civil penalties are transferred to the Director of the National Institutes of Health for drug research and development.
This creates a dedicated funding stream for medical research, potentially offsetting concerns about reduced manufacturer R&D.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
79
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSJUL 2
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
MAY 14
Introduced in House
MAY 14
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, Oversight and Government Reform, and Natural Resources, 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.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3391
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 14, 2025
Last actionJul 2, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 14, 2025
House BillHR 3391Health
End Price Gouging for Medications Act
INTRODUCED MAY 14, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 2, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
