Sorensen Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Costs

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) introduced the bipartisan STOP GAMES Act along with Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05). The legislation aims to crack down on tactics used by big pharma to block cheaper, generic drugs from entering the market.

"Nobody should have to choose between filling their prescription and paying rent or putting food on the table. But too many of my neighbors are simply being priced out from getting the medicine they need. That's why I am so proud to be leading the bipartisan STOP GAMES Act," said Congressman Sorensen. "This bill would crack down on Big Pharma while giving my neighbors the option to buy generic drugs, which can drive down costs by up to 95%."

"I am proud to co-lead the Stop GAMES Act, legislation that helps keep lifesaving prescription drugs affordable for the American people. There are few sources of frustration more common among the constituents I speak with than the overinflated cost of prescription drugs. Sham petitions are a key tool used by companies to prevent competitive products from getting to market and allowing the free market to lower costs," said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice.

The STOP GAMES Act cracks down on "sham" citizen petitions, which big pharmaceutical companies file to slow down the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process for competing generic drugs. While citizen petitions are intended to provide a voice to patients and consumer groups, the process is often co-opted by drug manufacturers to keep prices high.

Sorensen's legislation allows the FDA to reject a petition if they determine the purpose of the claim is stop or delay the entry of a new drug to the market. Currently, the agency is forced to investigate every claim.

Congressman Eric Sorensen represents Illinois' 17th District in the United States House of Representatives. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for more than 20 years. His district includes Illinois' Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

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