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US House backs Medicare drug bill US House backs Medicare drug bill
(10 minutes later)
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill requiring the government to negotiate directly with drug companies to obtain the lowest prices.The US House of Representatives has passed a bill requiring the government to negotiate directly with drug companies to obtain the lowest prices.
The new Democrat-controlled House passed the bill despite a threat from President George W Bush to veto it.The new Democrat-controlled House passed the bill despite a threat from President George W Bush to veto it.
It is the latest legislative measure to puts Congress on a collision course with President George W Bush. It is the latest legislative measure to put Congress on a collision course with President George W Bush.
On Thursday, the House passed a bill backing embryonic stem cell research, something Mr Bush vehemently opposes.On Thursday, the House passed a bill backing embryonic stem cell research, something Mr Bush vehemently opposes.
Supporters of the bill say it will lower the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries.Supporters of the bill say it will lower the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries.
Critics say competition among private insurers has already driven down the cost of drugs.Critics say competition among private insurers has already driven down the cost of drugs.
The new bills are part of a string of measures the Democrats are pushing forward in their first 100 hours in control of the new session of Congress.The new bills are part of a string of measures the Democrats are pushing forward in their first 100 hours in control of the new session of Congress.