High Stakes As Trump Dems Open Drug Price Talks

(The Hill) Peter Sullivan 02/16/19 12:48 PM Democrats and the Trump administration are beginning to hold talks on lowering drug prices as they look for a rare area of common ground. Both President Trump and congressional Democrats say that lowering drug prices is a priority providing a potential area for bipartisan action in a government that is otherwise bitterly divided after a months-long fight over border security. But the political risks are high for both sides in a politically polarized atmosphere and with the 2020 elections rapidly approaching. Trump and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) spoke briefly about working together to lower drug prices during a phone call at the end of January and their staffs have begun preliminary discussions according to a Democratic aide. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) one of the Houses fiercest critics of the pharmaceutical industry also spoke with acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney during a trip to Camp David last weekend.