U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy says he is working with President Donald Trump on new legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug costs for Americans.
Cassidy said the president’s health care team recently asked him to help draft a proposal that would ensure U.S. consumers do not pay more for medications than patients in other countries. He described the effort as part of a broader strategy to reduce pharmaceutical prices through multiple reforms rather than a single solution.
“There’s no silver bullet,” Cassidy said. “There’s silver buckshot.”
Targeting Pharmacy Benefit Managers
Cassidy pointed to a recently signed law that addresses pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, who act as middlemen between drug manufacturers and pharmacies. The law aims to ensure that savings negotiated by PBMs flow back to patients instead of remaining with the companies.
He also highlighted prior legislation that eliminated “gag clauses,” which prevented pharmacists from telling customers when paying cash would cost less than using insurance. That measure became law during Trump’s first term.
The new proposal under discussion would focus directly on pharmaceutical manufacturers by tying U.S. drug prices to what companies charge overseas.
Campaign Focus and Closed Primary
Cassidy is also campaigning ahead of Louisiana’s May 16 primary under the state’s new closed primary system. Only registered Republicans and voters with no party affiliation can vote in the Republican primary.
He urged voters to verify or update their registration through the Secretary of State’s website if needed.
Fundraising and Infrastructure
Cassidy said his campaign has raised about $1.4 million to date. He pointed to $13.5 billion in federal infrastructure funding he helped secure for Louisiana, including money for roads, bridges, flood mitigation and broadband expansion.
As the campaign accelerates, Cassidy says he is balancing work in Washington with time on the trail across Louisiana.