Ryan Nicol
A day after U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell joined House Democrats in approving a bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is out with a new digital ad promoting the freshman congresswoman’s vote.
“DID YOU HEAR?!,” the ad exclaims.
“Rep. Mucarsel-Powell just voted to lower costs for health care and prescription drugs — and the bill PASSED! These heroic efforts to expand access to health care prove she’s fighting for our community. Yet another promise kept!”
While it’s true the measure was approved by the House, it should be noted the bill is far from full passage.
House Republicans largely voted against the measure and the GOP-controlled Senate would likely follow suit. It’s even more likely that Sen. Mitch McConnell will simply refuse to bring the matter up for a vote.
Still, the DCCC has repeatedly touted Mucarsel-Powell’s health care positions after she made the issue a top priority of her 2018 campaign for Florida’s 26th Congressional District. That contest saw her oust incumbent GOP U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo and will likely be a primary theme in her 2020 race.
In addition to curbing the rise of prescription drug costs, the measure also reverts many changes Republicans have made to the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The House bill increases funding to promote the ACA and helps states set up their own health care marketplaces.
“The American people have spoken loud and clear that they want Congress to get to work to lower the costs of prescription drugs and health care, and that’s just what Rep. Mucarsel-Powell is doing,” said Avery Jaffe, a DCCC spokesperson.
“Since coming to Congress, Mucarsel-Powell has been a tireless fighter on behalf of Floridians with pre-existing conditions and families facing skyrocketing prescription drug and medical bills, and the DCCC is proud to highlight her work.”
Mucarsel-Powell has already been placed in the DCCC’s Frontline Program, which identifies potentially vulnerable Democratic incumbents in the House. Mucarsel-Powell defeated Curbelo in 2018 by fewer than 2 percentage points.
