(Radio Iowa) — A bill that has cleared the U.S. House would make it easier for generic drugs to be sold in America, a move meant to limit the rising cost of prescription drugs. Third district Congresswoman Cindy Axne of West Des Moines says prescription medications cost more in America than in any other country.

“A teacher in Farragut who’s had diabetes for 20 years is spending over $750 a month for insulin,” Axne says. “That’s a third of her take-home pay and she needs a second job just to cover her costs.” Axne accuses brand-name drug manufacturers of using delay tactics to prevent cheaper generics from being sold.

The House bill would forbid brand-name drug makers from paying a generic manufacturer NOT to sell the cheaper generic alternative. In addition, the bill would make it easier for generic drug manufacturers to get important data about brand name medications.

“I ran for congress to protect Iowans, not Big Pharma,” Axne said. “And this bill will help bring generics to market quicker, lower the cost for consumers and save billions in taxpayer dollars.”

Axne — a Democrat who’s in her first term in congress — made her comments during a brief speech on the House floor Thursday. She did not mention other components of the bill, some of which are designed to help Americans navigate the insurance exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act. Republicans in the SENATE and President Trump oppose those parts of the package House Democrats put together.