Carrie Buck’s Congressional Campaign Highlights Complexities of Drug Price Legislation
As the race for Nevada’s 1st Congressional District heats up, Carrie Buck, a Republican candidate, is foregrounding her campaign efforts on reducing costs for constituents. However, her stance on certain legislative measures, particularly those aimed at cutting prescription drug prices, has sparked debate.
Since 2020, Buck has served in the Nevada Senate and is now aspiring to serve the district encompassing parts of Las Vegas and Henderson. Her legislative history includes opposing Assembly Bill 250 in 2023, a bill designed to extend Medicare-negotiated drug savings to all Nevada residents. This bill aimed to cap prices on essential medications, including those for diabetes, heart failure, and autoimmune diseases.
Former Lt. Gov. Kate Marshall, a proponent of the bill, emphasized its significance, stating in the Nevada Independent, “People have the right to have access to medication at a reasonable price.” Marshall highlighted the ongoing financial pressures faced by many Nevadans and the moral duty of lawmakers to provide relief.
In a 2024 interview, Buck addressed her vote against the bill, expressing concerns about potential broader impacts: “Anytime you put caps on things, I really worry about the greater impact.” Despite passing the Nevada Legislature, the bill was vetoed by Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, with Democrats planning to reintroduce it.
Additionally, Buck has been critical of the 2021 Inflation Reduction Act, which empowered federal negotiations for lower drug prices and benefited over 140,000 Nevadans. She described the act as a “disaster” and opposed its measures.
Buck’s opponent, Democratic Rep. Dina Titus, supported the Inflation Reduction Act, praising its measures to reduce healthcare and energy costs. Titus remarked in a statement, “This historic legislation will make a difference for families by lowering health care costs, cutting prescription drug prices, and reducing the price of energy.”
Despite these legislative disagreements, Buck’s campaign has gained momentum with an endorsement from President Donald Trump, adding a notable layer of support to her congressional bid.
The post Carrie Buck opposed effort to lower prescription drug prices in Nevada appeared first on American Journal News.
