WASHINGTON — The pharmaceutical industry, notorious for its deep pockets and aggressive lobbying tactics, has a nearly spotless record dominating policy fights. Now, the sector is staring down its biggest test in at least a decade.
Democrats are closer than ever before to finally achieving a goal they’ve been pursuing for nearly two decades — allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices. Skeptical lawmakers seem to be on board; the bill text is already under review by the Senate’s rules referee. Congressional leadership and the White House have come up with a plan to barrel toward a vote that could come as soon as next week.