House Democrats announced a sweeping investigation Monday of the pharmaceutical industry’s pricing practices, jockeying for the upper hand with the Trump administration on an issue that concerns Americans across the political spectrum. Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings said he’s sent letters to 12 major drugmakers seeking detailed information and documents about pricing practices for brand-name drugs to treat diseases including cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, and nerve pain. The committee also is seeking information on what the manufacturers do with revenue and what steps can be taken to reduce prescription drug costs. (Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press)