Heritage has a long track record of working on behalf of PhRMA, including advocating against lowering the cost of prescription drugs 

The group is now running ads in an attempt to obstruct the confirmation of Xavier Becerra, Biden’s pick to lead HHS, who has a strong record of taking on the pharmaceutical industry  

Accountable Senate War Room: “Heritage is nothing more than a puppet for corporate special interest groups and no senators should take these attacks seriously.”

Washington, D.C. – Today, Accountable Senate War Room released the following statement in response to Heritage Action for America releasing ads opposing Xavier Becerra, President Biden’s nominee for Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary: 

“This wouldn’t be the first time Heritage has acted as a front-group for PhRMA and it likely won’t be the last. Republican senators must put their constituents ahead of special interest groups and brush these absurd attacks aside,” said Mairead Lynn, spokesperson for Accountable Senate War Room. “These ads are a desperate move by special interests who are terrified of Becerra’s record of holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic and for price-gouging patients. Heritage is nothing more than a puppet for corporate special interest groups who benefit from the status quo, and no senators should take these attacks seriously.”   

Heritage has a long history of taking money from PhRMA and doing their bidding in Washington:

PhRMA Gave At Least $375K To Heritage Foundation & Heritage Action. In 2019, PhRMA gave $175,000 to the Heritage Foundation. In 2018, PhRMA gave $37,500 each to the Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action. In 2012, PhRMA gave $50,000 to Heritage Foundation and $75,000 to Heritage Action. [Form 990 – PhRMA, 2019; Form 990 – PhRMA, 2018; Form 990 – PhRMA, 2012]

Headline: Open Secrets: “Big Pharma bankrolled conservative groups that pushed industry message to Trump, tax returns show.” [OpenSecrets, 11/15/19]

Headline: The American Prospect: “This Pharma-Backed Astroturf Group Wants to Keep Your Drug Prices High.” [The American Prospect, 10/11/19]

Headline: The Hill: “Conservative groups call on Trump administration to scrap looming drug price move.” [The Hill, 1/30/20] 

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