Lawmakers Question Drug Companies, Vendors on Pricing

Bipartisan House panel seeks transparency in prescription drug supply chain

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A House subcommittee held a hearing to question pharmaceutical industry leaders on how the complicated drug supply chain may increase the cost of prescription medications. The panel focused on pharmacy benefit managers, companies that negotiate drug prices on behalf of employers and insurers. Lawmakers expressed frustration with what they described as secretive practices of pharmacy benefit managers and called for more transparency to reduce prices.

Why it matters

The hearing highlights ongoing concerns about rising prescription drug costs and the role of various players in the supply chain, including drug manufacturers, wholesalers, insurers, and pharmacy benefit managers. Lawmakers are seeking ways to increase transparency and competition to ultimately lower prices for consumers.

The details

The hearing by the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee featured testimony from representatives of the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy benefit managers, and employee benefit managers. Lawmakers questioned whether pharmacy benefit managers' practices, such as controlling data access, are driving up drug prices. Industry groups defended the role of pharmacy benefit managers, arguing the overall market is competitive.

  • The hearing took place on February 11, 2026.

The players

Morgan Griffith

A Republican Congressman from Virginia who chaired the hearing and called for more transparency in the drug supply chain.

David Marin

President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, a trade group representing pharmacy benefit managers.

John Crowley

President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, a group representing biotech companies.

James Gelfand

President and CEO of the ERISA Industry Committee, which represents employee benefit managers.

Diana DeGette

A Democratic Congresswoman from Colorado who is the ranking member on the subcommittee.

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What they’re saying

“We will work with this committee to answer your questions, be a better partner, and help advance solutions that will make it easier and more affordable for your constituents to get the medications they need.”

— David Marin, President and CEO, Pharmaceutical Care Management Association

“America is the only country in the world where 50 percent of every dollar spent on medicines goes to middlemen, mostly toward the [pharmacy benefit managers]. Wealthy hospital systems regularly mark up the price of medicines.”

— John Crowley, President and CEO, Biotechnology Innovation Organization

“The data is not [the employers'] to access. Vendors simply refuse to provide access.”

— James Gelfand, President and CEO, ERISA Industry Committee

What’s next

Lawmakers said they will work to get more information about the Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing deals negotiated by the Trump administration, which have not been made public.

The takeaway

This hearing underscores the ongoing debate over prescription drug pricing and the complex web of players in the supply chain. Lawmakers are seeking ways to increase transparency and competition to ultimately lower costs for consumers, but the industry argues the current system is competitive.