WASHINGTON – House democrats Thursday passed a drug pricing bill.

The legislation would allow the government to negotiate lower prices on prescription drugs each year.

Republicans and the drug industry strongly opposed the bill, arguing that it would make the private sector less likely to invest in research and development for new treatments and cures.

Although, local Congressman Tom Reed voted in favor of the Lower Costs, More Cures Act.

The Republican-led Senate is unlikely to take up the bill.

Earlier this week, the White House issued a veto threat for the legislation.