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Republicans on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday requesting documents and information on the agency’s process for reviewing generic drug applications. The lawmakers called the request part of its investigation into high prescription drug prices. The letter, signed by Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and 12 other Republicans, said the committee questions the efficiency of the FDA’s approval process for generic drugs, which has slowed since the agency began collecting user fees from generic drugmakers in 2013. The committee suggested that if this process were faster, it could help spur competition and drive down prices. (Siddons, 12/15)

The ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is turning up the heat on beleaguered Valeant Pharmaceuticals, as the committee continues investigating soaring drug prices. Cummings is now sending Valeant’s CEO a letter asking for the witnesses and documents by Jan. 8, ahead of a committee hearing. (12/16)