WASHINGTON, D.C. — Between impeachment hearings and preventing another government shutdown, it has been easy to overlook the other work being done on Capitol Hill.

  • Ohio lawmakers debate prescription drug bill
  • Ohio electric cooperative attends Capitol Hill showcase
  • Lawmakers’ schedules are packed before holiday recess

While Ohio Republicans Steve Chabot (R-01) and Jim Jordan (R-04) were in the spotlight of impeachment hearings last week, fellow Ohio Republican Brad Wenstrup (R-02) took to the House floor to criticize a bill Democrats were pushing to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

“H.R. 3 threatens — actually puts a knife in the heart of the pillars of research and development that have helped make America the leader in health innovation,” Wenstrup said.

The Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act passed the House last Thursday with all four Ohio Democrats voting ‘yes’ and all 12 Ohio Republicans voting ‘no.’

Among other things, the legislation would allow the government to play a direct role in negotiating drug prices.

But Republicans don’t think the federal government should be involved and they flagged projections that the legislation would result in fewer new drugs over time.

Even though the Senate will likely ignore the bill as it negotiates another version, Ohio Democrat Tim Ryan (D-13) said the House vote could still send a message to President Trump, who has said he wants to lower prescription drug costs.

“I think if we can apply enough political pressure and let him recognize that this would be a significant win for him to sign this bill into law and he could take credit for it, hey, as long it’s helping our people,” Ryan said. “So, passing it through the House allows us to continue to make those arguments.”

A few buildings over from the House floor, a Republican-led Energy and Environment Innovation Showcase was held last week that featured Ohio Representatives Bob Latta (R-05) and Bill Johnson (R-06), along with a team from the Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative.

John Metcalf, the president and CEO of the cooperative, got to show off his company’s smart meters to a Capitol Hill audience.

“Being in a different environment, it spurs different questions,” he said.

Latta said it’s helpful when Ohio businesses and organizations travel to Washington for events like this because they provide a bigger platform than when your local representative is home and comes for a visit.

“They might show me, but this gives them a great opportunity to show everyone what they’re doing,” Latta said.

These stories are just two of dozens that happen every day on Capitol Hill.

With lawmakers returning this week for only a few more days before leaving again for the Christmas holiday, a lot more will be happening in the shadows of an impeachment vote, a funding deadline, and a substantial trade deal.