Exclusive: Sen. Welch would back Trump's most favored nation drug policy plan
· Axios
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said Wednesday he'd back President Trump's push to pursue a "most-favored nation" drug policy at Wednesday's Axios Future of Health summit.
Why it matters: Bipartisan support will be necessary for Congress to codify Trump's plan into law at a time when a majority of Americans are at least somewhat worried about being able to afford prescription drugs.
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- Trump's proposal would bring America's drug prices more in line with what other developed nations pay.
What they're saying: Asked by Axios' Peter Sullivan if he'd vote for Trump's plan, Welch said he would "not only vote for it, I would work actively and aggressively to make it happen."
- He noted that Trump hasn't introduced any legislation yet and he'd like the president to "do it, not just talk about it."
Catch up quick: The most-favored nation deals Trump has made with at least 16 pharmaceutical companies are designed to lower costs, but the terms of the deals are not public, leading some Democrats to allege they may benefit big pharma more than Americans.
The intrigue: Welch and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) are already working together on a bipartisan bill that would bar drugmakers from charging Americans more than the international average price.
- When Welch unveiled the plan in early May, he said the bill offers the Trump administration a Congressional "template" to make that goal a reality.
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Editor's note: This story will be updated with additional information.