On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the House Committee on Appropriations held a markup of the fiscal year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill, as adopted, includes a measure recognizing the importance of community pharmacies and the need to investigate pharmacy benefit managers, in an amendment offered by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.). The amendment reads:
"Drug Prices and Pharmacy Access—The Committee recognizes the critical role community pharmacies play in providing life-saving prescription drugs and medications to our rural communities and seniors. The Committee appreciates the Secretary of HHS' cooperation with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to investigate the activity of pharmacy benefit managers and the impact on drug prices and pharmacy access."
NCPA worked with Gluesenkamp Perez on the amendment text, and we were pleased to see the Appropriations Committee recognize the critical role of independent pharmacy.
