Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has put forward a bill that aims to solidify President Donald Trump’s executive order focused on lowering prescription drug costs.
In a post on X, Khanna shared a video of herself addressing the House, emphasizing that if Trump’s executive order were turned into law, it could foster bipartisan support. She mentioned that she believes each Republican could back her legislation, stating her willingness to collaborate across party lines. Khanna emphasized that lawmakers need to “codify what the president wants to do” in order to effectively challenge major pharmaceutical companies.
“I’m introducing legislation today that will codify Trump’s executive orders to prevent Americans from paying more for medications than those in other countries,” Khanna remarked in her post. “Are members of Congress willing to back a bipartisan law to curb the $16 billion that Big Pharma spends on lobbying?”
In his executive order signature, Trump pointed out that while the U.S. comprises less than 5% of the world’s population, it generates about three-quarters of global drug profits.
“This skewed situation is part of a strategy through which drug manufacturers are incentivized to offer steep discounts in foreign markets, while charging excessive prices here,” the executive order explained.
Trump indicated that his administration would “take swift action to address this imbalance,” warning that if Americans don’t receive “the lowest prices compared to other countries,” he would pursue further actions.
Khanna posed a crucial question: “Will we stand by while Big Pharma spends $16 billion on lobbying, or will we stand with the American people?” She expressed confidence based on the number of co-sponsors she anticipates for her proposed legislation, which simply seeks to codify Trump’s executive order.
“It will take years to lower prescription drug prices and establish fairness in America,” Trump said, claiming drug costs could potentially drop by “59-80%.” This comment was made during a press conference when he signed the executive order.
Khanna’s legislative proposal aims to formalize Trump’s executive order. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) and 16 fellow Republicans are also pushing House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to begin turning some of Trump’s executive orders into permanent law. Other Republicans involved include Keith Self (R-TX), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Eli Crane (R-AZ), and Brandon Gill (R-TX).
As previously noted by Bradley Jaye of Breitbart News, Ogles remarked that “Republicans in the House made significant campaign promises to support Trump’s agenda,” adding that there have been too few bills introduced to codify his critical executive orders.
“President Trump is working diligently, achieving victory after victory,” Ogles said to Breitbart News. “So why is Congress not keeping pace?”
