Despite heavy opposition from the pharmaceutical industry, the Senate Votes to Expand Drug Cost Cuts Of Medicaid.

Senator Debbie Stabenow, Democrat of Michigan, the chief author of the proposal, said it was meant to encourage state efforts to make prescription drugs more affordable. "We are saying yes to the innovation of the states," Ms. Stabenow said.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a trade group for brand-name drug companies, has gone to court to stop drug discount programs adopted in Maine, Vermont, Florida and Michigan, among other states. The organization denounced Ms. Stabenow's proposal, saying it could embolden more states to try to control drug costs by restricting access to certain medicines for low-income people.