Brad Finstad’s Legislative Decisions: An Overview of His First Year in Congress
Upon entering Congress on August 12, 2022, Minnesota Representative Brad Finstad took notable legislative steps concerning healthcare policy. On his inaugural day, Finstad voted against the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a bill designed to make healthcare more affordable by capping insulin costs for Medicare beneficiaries at $35 monthly.
Finstad, who succeeded the late Rep. Jim Hagedorn after a special election, justified his opposition to the IRA as a “common sense” decision, according to a statement he made reported by the MinnPost.
The IRA also aimed to extend tax subsidies that benefited approximately 89,000 Minnesotans in acquiring insurance through the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.
The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Finstad’s legislative journey continued with his support for the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), which proposes a $1 trillion reduction in Medicare funding over the next decade. This reduction is intended to facilitate tax breaks for affluent individuals and large corporations. This legislative move could potentially impact about 15,000 of Finstad’s constituents, who may lose their health insurance coverage. Despite the potential risks, Finstad hailed the OBBB as a measure that provides “wins for southern Minnesotans and the American people,” as per his statement on KEYC.
Interactions with the Pharmaceutical Industry
Campaign finance records disclose that Finstad received contributions from pharmaceutical industry lobbyists, amounting to $2,000, around the time of the OBBB vote. In December 2023, a related scenario occurred when Finstad accepted $1,500 from a lobbyist for pharmacy benefit managers shortly before opposing a bill aimed at enhancing price transparency within the industry. Finstad was among just 40 House Republicans to reject this proposal.
Pharmacy benefit managers, acting as intermediaries between insurance plans, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers, are often criticized for potentially inflating drug prices and restricting patient access to medications.
As Finstad campaigns for a second full term, his policy choices and financial ties are likely to be scrutinized by voters and his Democratic opponent, Jake Johnson, a high school teacher.
For further details, visit the original article titled Finstad voted against lower drug costs on first day in Congress on the American Journal News website.
