Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health, and Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Trade, issued the following remarks regarding a letter they sent to President Obama on his changing positions on prescription drug importation:

Rep. Herger said, “Since taking office, President Obama has abandoned his campaign promises one by one in a quest to get government-run health care passed by any means necessary and at any cost to the American people, especially seniors.  The President's decision to walk away from his support for drug importation in order to secure an endorsement from the drug lobby is among the most disturbing. During the campaign, the President promised full transparency throughout the health care debate, with all Americans having a seat at the table.  Unfortunately, the only ones who seem to have had their voices heard are the special interests that made backroom deals with the President. While the issue of prescription drug importation is complex and there are many opinions on the issue, the President and many Democrats in Congress appear to have sacrificed their previous beliefs about what would be best for the American people in exchange for the support of the pharmaceutical industry. I look forward to his explanation as to why important policy decisions that will affect millions of Americans have been determined by secret deals, away from public view.”

Rep. Brady commented, “It seems as though while out on the campaign trail you say one thing and now your Administration does another thing. It’s time to stop the back room deals, follow through with your promises and provide the American people with the transparency you promised and they deserve.”

The letter can be read here.

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