Legislation Quick Search
03/28/2024 04:49 AM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20190&cosponId=31522
Share:
Home / House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Subscribe to PaLegis Notifications
NEW!

Subscribe to receive notifications of new Co-Sponsorship Memos circulated

By Member | By Date | Keyword Search


House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: March 31, 2020 03:06 PM
From: Representative Frank Burns
To: All House members
Subject: Urging Congress to Approve the Protecting Our Pharmaceutical Supply Chain From China Act
 
In times of crisis, Americans have always stepped up to the plate.  United by a common goal, our researchers and workers put their uncommon talents to use for the greater good.  As the world reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe Americans must again join together to take back production of medicine and medical equipment from foreign countries. 

 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned for years that systemic problems at drug manufacturing facilities overseas – particularly in China and India – have led to tainted medication circulating in the United States.  Last year alone millions of Americans ingested a contaminant formerly used in rocket fuel through tainted blood pressure drugs produced in China.  The FDA estimates that as many as 85 percent of the facilities that manufacture active ingredients in American drugs are located overseas. 

 

With high-quality drugs and medical equipment needed now more than ever, I believe we must incentivize production on U.S. soil.  America’s stringent standards will ensure safer pharmaceuticals and reversing our dependence on Asian drug makers means we’re better equipped should the day come when they refuse to sell to the United States.  For these reasons, I’m urging Congress to approve the “Protecting our Pharmaceutical Supply Chain from China” Act. 

 

The federal bill would phase in a ban on U.S. agencies purchasing pharmaceuticals with active ingredients produced in China.  To ramp up U.S. manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, it would include crucial financial incentives to help American businesses.  Finally, the measure would increase transparency for all drugs by requiring the FDA to create a drug registry and by requiring drug companies to list active ingredients and their countries of origin on the label. 

 

Please join me in sponsoring this vital resolution urging Congress to pass legislation that would improve not only our individual health, but the health of our nation’s economy.