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| Lower Prescription Drug Prices |
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As the only pharmacist in Congress, one of my top priorities is lowering prescription drug prices for Americans. One serious concern I have is with antitrust and competition issues in the health care field. Recent mergers, including CVS Caremark with Aetna, could have serious impacts on patient choice and health care costs.
During a hearing in the Energy and Commerce Committee this week, I had an opportunity to discuss this critical issue with FTC Chairman Joseph Simons. The vertical consolidation of pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacies, and health insurers could leave patients worse off and it must be addressed.
Click here to view my conversation with the FTC Chairman this week.
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| From our Nation's Capitol CLXXI |
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Monday, July 16, 2018: After arriving back in Washington this morning, I head downtown to speak to the Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition at their annual meeting. As a consultant pharmacist for long term care facilities for many years, I am well aware of the fine work that this group does and the invaluable service they provide for their patients. After traveling back to the Capitol, I head to our weekly messaging advisory group meeting with House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) before heading to our weekly Whip Team meeting with Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA). At our Whip Team meeting we hear from Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross who brings us up to date on the administration’s plans regarding tariffs. Afterwards, I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018: I’m at the White House early this morning to assist Kathleen Benton and her family from Savannah access a tour. Once back at the Capitol, I head to a Doctors Caucus meeting where we hear from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) director Seema Verma. Afterwards, I head to our weekly GOP conference before walking over to the Capitol steps for a picture with the Gulfstream Student Leadership Program participants who are visiting this week.
Rep. Carter meeting with participants in the Gulfstream Student Leadership Program |
Next, we have our weekly staff briefing after which I head to an Energy and Commerce (E&C) Oversight and Investigations (O&I) Subcommittee hearing on “Examining State Efforts to Improve Transparency of Health Care Costs for Consumers.” A link to my questions can be found here. Later, I head to an E&C Environment Subcommittee markup before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day. Next, I head back to my office where I meet with the CEO of Phoebe Putney Health Systems before meeting with representatives from the Georgia Small Business Owner Association. After meeting with the CFO of Pfizer, Frank D’Ameoli, to discuss their recent decision to rescind price increases on certain drugs, I meet with my good friend, Tybee Mayor Jason Buelterman to discuss beach re-nourishment.
Rep. Carter meeting with Tybee Island Mayor Jason Buelterman and City Manager Shawn Gillen |
My next meetings are with the Georgia Transportation Alliance and with executives from Rite Aid. Next, I have a call with Mike Shaw with the State Department to discuss a situation with a constituent who is being detained in Kenya before heading to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018: My day starts with a radio interview with Bill Edwards and Laura Anderson with WTKS in Savannah to discuss President Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin earlier this week. Afterwards, I have a phone call with Dr. Robert Kadlec, the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to discuss legislation that is coming before the E&C Committee today. Next, I head to the House Chamber where I deliver tributes to Corporal Joseph Maciel, Captain Michael McFadden, and Ronnie Thompson. Afterwards, I head back to my office where I film a video regarding tax reform before having a call with Scott Isaacks, Director of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston who also covers the Savannah and Hinesville facilities. Next, I head to an E&C Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection (DCCP) Subcommittee hearing on “Oversight of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).” Although I am not a member of this subcommittee, the Chairman has given me a waiver to participate. A link to my questions can be found here. Afterwards, I head to an E&C full committee mark up where we pass two bills, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (PAHPA) and the Advancing U.S. Civil Nuclear Competitiveness and Jobs Act. After heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day, I meet with the Camden County Teen Republicans before meeting with the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus.
Rep. Carter meeting with the Camden County Teen Republicans |
Next, I meet with Drew Dotson from Young Harris, GA. Drew is currently doing an internship with Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) and is the son of Mark Dotson and grandson of Dr. Clay Dotson. Mark currently works at Young Harris College (YHC) and Dr. Dotson was a professor at YHC while I was a student there. Later in the evening, we have our second and last vote series of the day.
Thursday, July 19, 2018: I’m back at the White House this morning to assist the Bowers and Tramells families from Richmond Hill and Savannah gain access for a tour. Once back at the Capitol, I have a phone interview with WJCL TV to discuss tariffs followed by a meeting with the American Pharmacy Cooperative. Next, I head to an E&C Health Subcommittee hearing on “Examining Mental Health Initiatives from 21st Century Cures.” A link to my questions can be found here. Afterwards, I head to the House Chamber for our first and only vote series of the day before heading to the airport for my return flight home.
Friday, July 20, 2018: I’m headed to Ludowici this morning where I am taking part in the summer reading program at the Long County Public Library. After meeting with the many parents and public officials at the program, I have the opportunity to read I Know a Shy Fellow who Swallowed a Cello to the students participating in the program.
Rep. Carter celebrating Trish Depriest |
Afterwards, I head to Wilmington Island in Chatham County where I join former First District Congressmen Lindsey Thomas and Jack Kingston as well as current and former staffers and family members in recognizing Trish Depriest who has recently retired. Trish started serving the First District in 1984 and, after 34 years of service where she has helped countless constituents with issues ranging from passports to veteran benefits, has recently retired. A link to local TV coverage of the event can be found here. Afterwards, I head to the studios of WSAV TV where I do an interview with JoAnn Merrigan on a number of issues including tariffs. My last stop of the week is in Richmond Hill in Bryan County where I meet with Ron Elliott at Game Changers, voted one of the 50 best running stores in America this year and last. Ron and I have the opportunity to do a Facebook Live interview to discuss the benefits that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has had on his business. |
| VOTES IN THE HOUSE THIS WEEK |
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| Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House.
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