USCCB Welcomes Legislation Addressing Climate Change, Drug Prices

The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, said he is grateful to the Senate for their efforts to support the environment and lower drug prices through the Inflation Reduction Act. President Biden signed the $430 billion dollar bill into law on Tuesday, after it passed the House and Senate along party lines last week. The bill provides a landmark $369 billion in spending for energy and climate change, which the Archbishop called a ‘meaningful effort to care for our common home’. It also limits out-of-pocket drug expenses for those who rely on Medicare to $2,000 annually and allows Medicare to negotiate with drug makers on prescription prices. 

“I am also grateful for provisions in the bill that will lower prescription drug costs for those who rely on Medicare, and continue to call on lawmakers to ensure all healthcare policy respects the inherent dignity and right to life of every human being,” Archbishop Paul S. Coakley said. 

To read the full statement from Archbishop Coakley, click here.