In the News

Washington news in brief

12/15/2019
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Rx-drugs-bill vote upsets Democrats

WASHINGTON -- Democratic congressional candidates are criticizing their Republican opponents for opposing legislation designed to rein in prescription costs.

HR3, allowing the federal government to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices, passed 230-192 in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.

The law would set limits on prices so that they don't exceed 120% of the average price charged in several other Western democracies: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom.

Only two Republicans backed the measure. All four House members from Arkansas -- who are all Republicans -- opposed the measure.

"Everyday as a nurse practitioner, I see too many seniors grappling with rising prescription drug costs," Celeste Williams said in a written statement.

The Bella Vista-area resident is trying to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Womack of Rogers.

"Congress has the power to reduce the financial burden that too often prevents people from getting the medications they need. This extreme vote shows our current Congressman can't be counted on when it matters most," she added.

Joyce Elliott, the Little Rock Democrat challenging U.S. Rep. French Hill of Little Rock, was also critical.

"One of the few things that nearly all Americans can agree on is that prescription drug prices are way too high," she said in a written statement. "It should take your breath away, French Hill voted against lowering prescription drug costs."

Womack and Hill are co-sponsoring a Republican alternative that was introduced Monday.

Supporters say it would address costs without implementing government price controls and stifling innovation.

"By pushing her government takeover of the U.S. drug industry through the House, Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi has guaranteed that Americans will have to wait a little bit longer to see any real action," Hill said in a written statement.

In a written statement, Womack also panned the Democrats' proposal, saying they had frittered away an opportunity for meaningful progress.

"There is no doubt that action to lower prescription drug costs is necessary, but HR3 is not the answer," he said. "Speaker Pelosi's highly-partisan drug plan is reflective of a party that openly embraces socialism and radical ideas like 'Medicare-for-All.'"

Senators eulogize slain NW officer

The state's two U.S. senators paid tribute last week to a Fayetteville police officer killed in the line of service. They were joined by 3rd District U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, who also highlighted the loss of Stephen Carr, a 27-year-old law enforcement officer who was gunned down while sitting in his patrol car on Dec. 7.

"Carr grew up in a law enforcement family. He witnessed the dedication, service and commitment to protecting the community by people he loved. His friends describe him as a strong and kind person whose lifelong dream was to serve as a police officer," U.S. Sen. John Boozman said during a speech on the Senate floor.

"Officer Carr's death is a reminder of the dangers these first responders face daily, and how quickly a situation [can] go from ordinary to deadly, which is why those willing to take on this role deserve both our gratitude and respect," the Republican from Rogers said. "I ... stand with all Arkansans in expressing our gratitude for Officer Carr's service, and commit to honoring the sacrifice that he and others have made to protect us. We will forever remember him as a true American hero."

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton also gave a speech lauding Carr's courage and commitment.

"This tragedy reminds us of the terrible risks officers face every day when they put on the uniform and the badge, not knowing whether they'll be alive to take it off that night. Already this year, 118 officers across America have been killed in the line of duty. Some were the victims of random tragedies. Others, like Officer Carr, were targeted by a criminal class that hates what the police represent: law and order," the Republican from Dardanelle said.

During his speech, Womack asked his colleagues to join him in a moment of silence in honor of Carr.

"We have lost one of our finest law enforcement officers -- someone who dedicated his life to serving Arkansas and defending others," the Republican from Rogers said. Our hearts are broken as we grieve this unthinkable loss. Today, we vow to never forget his memory and pledge to forever honor his life of service."

Funding for black colleges advances

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 319-96 to pass the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act.

The bill would restore and permanently reauthorize more than $250 million in annual funding for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other schools devoted to serving minority populations.

In a written statement, U.S. Rep. French Hill highlighted the vote, calling the FUTURE Act a "crucial piece of legislation."

"Every student in America deserves the opportunity to succeed. In Arkansas, HBCUs have served thousands of students and helped them achieve their dreams of a college education. As the vice co-chair of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus, I am committed to building a strong education system that prepares all our students for success in a 21st century global economy. I am proud to represent three outstanding HBCUs in central Arkansas that will be better prepared to serve its students because of the important funding authorized under the FUTURE Act," the Republican from Little Rock said.

The bill received firm Democratic support but divided Republican lawmakers.

The measure received "yes" votes from 226 Democrats and 93 Republicans. Ninety-five Republicans and one independent voted "no."

In addition to Hill, U.S. Reps. Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs and Steve Womack of Rogers voted to pass the bill. U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro, voted "no." All three are Republicans.