In a move aimed at bolstering domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY) have announced the formation of the American-Made Medicines Caucus.
The newly established caucus will focus on promoting policies to onshore and “friendshore” pharmaceutical manufacturing, strengthen economic and national security interests, and address the critical issue of America’s dependence on foreign nations for essential medications.
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The lawmakers highlighted the alarming statistic that the United States currently imports 90% of all generic drugs and faces a $127 billion trade deficit in pharmaceuticals in 2024.
Congressman Bilirakis expressed deep concern over the nation’s reliance on Chinese pharmaceutical products and ingredients.
“With our overwhelming reliance on Chinese pharmaceutical products and ingredients, it’s imperative that we find ways to increase domestic manufacturing capacity and preserve consumer access to these important and lifesaving products,” he stated. “Public health and wellness should not depend on our foreign adversaries, and I look forward to finding ways to address this threat through the Caucus.”
Rep. Carter, a pharmacist by profession, said, “China determines whether we have the pharmaceutical products we need in the United States to keep our citizens healthy. That is a terrifying reality, one we must address before the next public health crisis,” Carter said. “As a pharmacist, I’m launching the American-Made Medicines Caucus with the singular focus of bringing this critical supply chain home, so that we can strengthen our national security, create jobs, and Make America Healthy Again.”
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“We must continue to support and encourage domestic pharmaceutical medicine production in our country, strengthen our supply chains, reduce our reliance on foreign suppliers, and reinforce our pharmaceutical security,” Tenney stated. “I am eager to join Congressman Carter and Congressman Bilirakis in launching the American-Made Medicines Caucus to focus on creating legislative solutions to improve the domestic production of life-saving medications and antibiotics.”
The American-Made Medicines Caucus aims to drive legislative efforts to revitalize the U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, ensuring a more secure and resilient supply of essential medications for American citizens.
The caucus will be working to address the national security and economic vulnerabilities that have been exposed by the current reliance on foreign drug production.
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