Drug Firms Resist Biden’s Push for Lower Prices
TL/DR –
Several corporate giants including Amazon, SpaceX, and Trader Joe’s are challenging the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which has allowed workers to bargain collectively for nearly 90 years. In addition, pharmaceutical companies like Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk are opposing the Biden administration’s efforts to negotiate lower drug prices under the Inflation Reduction Act, contending that this action is unconstitutional. The author argues for more public demonstrations and political campaigning to highlight these issues, believing they could play a significant role in the upcoming elections.
Challenging the National Labor Relations Act
A resurgence of corporate resistance to the spread of power and wealth to employees is underway, with Amazon, SpaceX, and Trader Joe’s contesting the validity of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRA, which grants the right of collective bargaining to workers, has been legally upheld for nearly nine decades.
Pharmaceutical Industry Reactions to Inflation Reduction Act
The pharmaceutical industry is similarly opposing the Inflation Reduction Act provisions that permit the Biden administration to negotiate drug pricing with pharmaceutical companies. This legislation directly impacts the cost of ten widely used prescription drugs for Medicare participants, making them more affordable compared to global prices.
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Legal Resistance and Public Awareness
As per a recent Washington Post article, companies such as Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk are challenging the administration’s ability to lower drug costs in court. Lawyers argue that public acknowledgment of fairer pricing is unconstitutional.
The legal strategy includes court-shopping to find a Republican judge who might oppose affordable drug pricing. This partisan alignment is important, given the Inflation Reduction Act was passed solely with Democratic votes. Furthermore, making these drugs affordable is a significant part of President Biden’s re-election campaign and other Democratic campaigns.
Advocacy for Affordable Drug Pricing
Public demonstrations could be a viable strategy to raise awareness of this issue, potentially outside courtrooms, corporate headquarters, or hospitals. Various groups, including the AARP and state and local Democratic Parties, could lead these efforts. However, the present focus is on popular mobilizations that appeal to both base and swing voters, as well as left-leaning and moderate individuals.
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