PHRMA

PhRMA Statement on Selection of Rep. Waxman
As Chairman of House Energy and Commerce Committee

Washington, D.C. (November 20, 2008) — Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) President and CEO Billy Tauzin issued the following statement today on Congressman Henry Waxman’s selection as the new chairman of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee:

“With health care foremost on the minds of many Americans – especially those who have recently lost their jobs and health insurance because of the economic downturn – we look forward to working with incoming Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman on a wide range of issues that impact American patients.

“At the same time, we commend Chairman John Dingell for his 50 years of tireless service and dedication, and the work he has done to improve the lives of generations of Americans. Unquestionably, he will continue to be a positive force in Congress on issues affecting the day-to-day lives of people everywhere.

“In the months ahead, PhRMA is committed to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and will continue to support policies that encourage and strengthen innovation, improve patient access to new medicines and therapies, and expand healthcare coverage for all Americans.”

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures. PhRMA members alone invested an estimated $44.5 billion in 2007 in discovering and developing new medicines. Industry-wide research and investment reached a record $58.8 billion in 2007.

PhRMA Internet Address: www.phrma.org

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For information on how innovative medicines save lives, visit: www.innovation.org

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