Hudson Introduces Improving the American Drug Supply Chain Act
October 14, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) has introduced the Improving the American Drug Supply Chain Act, a bipartisan bill to study the drug supply chain and identify obstacles to domestic manufacturing and potential incentives to bring more manufacturing back to the United States.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the dangers of having too much of our critical prescription drug supply chain overseas in countries like China. That’s why I’m working to ensure as many drugs as possible are made right here in the United States to protect patients, defend our national security, and create good, high-paying manufacturing jobs in our country," said Rep. Hudson. "I’m proud to partner with my friend Representative Blunt-Rochester on introducing the Improving the American Drug Supply Chain Act to lay the groundwork to achieve this important goal."
The coronavirus pandemic has laid bare the consequences of being too reliant on a foreign supply chain for critical medicines. The beginning of the pandemic especially showed it is necessary for the United States to have a more robust domestic supply chain. Requiring drugs to be bought from domestic suppliers without considerations for the utility of a global supply chain though would be disruptive with potentially major negative consequences. For example, mandating U.S.- purchased drugs be made in the United States could exacerbate the already high cost of prescription drugs. Rep. Hudson and Rep. Blunt Rochester are instead asking the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study the drug supply chain and identify obstacles to domestic manufacturing and potential incentives to bring more manufacturing back to the United States.
"The issues with our country’s drug supply chain have come to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many Americans have struggled to access the critical medicines they need. We must bolster our domestic drug manufacturing infrastructure so we can prevent drug shortages, improve patient care, and reduce disruptions in the supply chain," said bill co-sponsor Rep. Blunt Rochester. "I’m proud to work with my colleague, Congressman Hudson, on introducing the Improving the American Drug Supply Chain Act so we can develop secure supply chains in the United States."
In addition to introducing this legislation, Rep. Hudson has written or cosponsored other bills as part of his commitment to improving health care and boosting American manufacturing. Rep. Hudson's Advancing IOT Manufacturing Act passed the U.S. House last month to encourage American manufacturing of internet-connected devices and improve supply chains. Rep. Hudson also cosponsored the Strengthening America's Strategic National Stockpile Act which passed the U.S. House last month to boost domestic manufacturing of medical supplies.
###
Issues:Health Care