The bill that passed the House of Representatives [the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act] would have a significant impact on drug prices and spending, according to the Congressional Budget Office — which probably explains why it has encountered strong resistance from the drug industry. The House bill includes a number of policy changes to lower drug prices, including a signature proposal to allow the secretary to negotiate lower drug prices for people on Medicare and private insurance. Last year, the Senate Finance Committee adopted a prescription drug proposal — but without strong bipartisan support. It is not clear whether a version of the so-called Grassley/Wyden compromise will be brought to the Senate floor before the end of this congressional session.