A plan by Senate Democrats to bargain for lower-cost Medicare-covered drugs died this week. Proponents failed to muster enough votes to move the measure forward.

Democrats unsuccessfully argued that the federal government should be allowed to negotiate for lower prices, particularly since other agencies and organizations, such as the Office of Veterans Affairs, negotiate prices successfully.

The rejection comes as a victory for Republicans, who were against the change. Drug companies also stand to benefit. Current law prohibits drug-price negotiations.