| This vote was to cut off debate in order to vote on final passage of S. 812, the Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act. The legislation, which ultimately was approved, would assure consumers more timely access to lower-cost generic drugs by closing loopholes in existing law that brand-name drug companies exploit to extend their lucrative monopoly patents. It would save consumers and government health programs $60 billion over 10 years. The legislation also would allow pharmacies to import into the U.S. from Canada much cheaper prescription drugs to benefit consumers and allow states to extend the lower price that Medicaid pays for drugs to people not eligible for Medicaid. Sixty votes were needed to cut off debate. Passed 66 Yea to 33 Nay. |