Senator Subramanyam Passes Bill that Lowers Prescription Drug Costs Out of Key Committee
Bill Passes Out of Committee with Bipartisan Support
Ashburn, VA – Today, Senator Suhas Subramanyam, Obama White House Alumnus and Candidate for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, announced the passage out of committee for SB 186, a bill that requires the Commonwealth of Virginia to study wholesale drug importation programs and identify which medications could be imported at a wholesale rate to lower costs for Virginians. The bill passed out of the House of Delegates Appropriations Committee today with a unanimous, bipartisan vote. The bill now goes to the full House of Delegates for a vote.
SB 186 puts Virginia on the pathway to join at least 8 other states in establishing a program that allows states to import drugs at a wholesale rate. The United States pays 286% more than other countries for prescription drugs, and those costs are passed down to consumers, who pay far too much for lifesaving medications.
A 2023 AARP poll also found that:
67% of Virginians take prescription drugs, half of them spend more than $600 annually on their medication
63% of Virginians are concerned about the cost of medication
“Virginians in need of prescription medication are facing an affordability crisis that requires real solutions. SB 186 marks a critical step towards addressing these skyrocketing costs.” said Senator Subramanyam. “SB 186 puts us on the path towards a prescription drug wholesale importation program, which is a huge part of that solution.”
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Senator Suhas Subramanyam has dedicated his life to public service as a State Senator, Obama White House advisor, Capitol Hill staffer, and as a Loudoun volunteer firefighter/EMT. In Richmond, he has worked across the aisle to pass gun violence prevention bills, protect democracy, and defend abortion rights. Senator Subramanyam is best positioned to keep VA-10 in Democratic hands because he represents more VA-10 constituents than any of the 16 primary election candidates, and he has consistently outperformed the Democratic ticket and delivered for his constituents. Suhas resides in Ashburn, Virginia (in VA-10) with his wife, Miranda, and their two daughters.
