Georgia Republicans Vote Against Lowering Insulin Costs

Yesterday, as every Georgia Democrat voted to cap the cost of insulin for many Americans at $35 a month, every single Georgia Republican in Congress voted against lowering costs for Georgians who rely on this life-saving drug. 

More than 1 million Georgians with diabetes – 12.4% of the adult population – rely on insulin, which for some people can cost as much as $1,000 per month. Georgia Reps. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Lucy McBath, and Nikema Williams co-sponsored this crucial legislation, while Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock continues to lead the effort in the U.S. Senate to make insulin more affordable.

“Yesterday’s vote by all eight Georgia Republicans against capping insulin costs is a slap in the face to the many Georgians on private health insurance and Medicare who depend on this life saving drug. As many as one million Georgians rely on insulin – but right now, too many families are forced to choose between making rent or being able to afford a drug they cannot live without,” said Rebecca Galanti, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Georgia. “That’s why every Georgia Democrat in the House voted to drastically cut the monthly cost of insulin for many Georgians – and why Senator Reverend Warnock has been pushing to lower drug prices for Americans, including insulin. While President Biden and Georgia Democrats are focused on lowering the cost of insulin and other medications that millions depend on, Republicans are shamefully siding with big pharmaceutical companies over Georgians.”

This isn’t the first time that Republicans have shown they won’t act to address high drug costs. Earlier this month, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley admitted that a Republican-controlled Senate would not take action on lowering drug prices, saying “If we want to reduce drug prices, then we need to do it now [under a Democratic Congress].”

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