Hatch, who used Schering-Plough's corporate jet at least five times this summer, supports the bill as a way of encouraging more research and development of lifesaving drugs. A spokesman for Hatch's presidential campaign said the use of the plane had nothing to do with the senator's position on the Claritin bill. And there is no last- minute maneuver to attach it to anything. There is no disputing the financial stakes. Several senators and lobbyists said last-minute postponing of the Claritin bill was the result of growing opposition and publicity.
Drug prices are a hot political issue.
The profits of these corporations are going to eventually cure cancer and deal with heart disease and diabetes and a number of other afflictions. This story includes information from the Associated Press.