Frank Pallone: “the drug reimportation provision in this bill is a sham. The provision the Republicans are now proposing is riddled with…”

“the drug reimportation provision in this bill is a sham. The provision the Republicans are now proposing is riddled with loopholes that will render its passage virtually meaningless. First of all, it includes a sunset clause. After 5 years, the proposal is phased out. Second, under this sham proposal, if manufacturers use foreign language labels or any labels that fail to meet FDA specifications, the drugs will not be eligible for reimportation. The Republican leadership also included a third loophole for the pharmaceutical industry's protections that allows drug companies to enter into restrictive contracts with foreign distributors that prevent such distributors from reselling pharmaceuticals to American pharmacies and wholesalers. This is business as usual for our seniors, which means price gouging and price discrimination. Under the Democratic proposal, every Medicare beneficiary will have the option of enrolling in the prescription drug benefit plan that, not only is affordable, but will guarantee access to all medically necessary drugs and provide coverage for catastrophic drug costs. These are the types of measures that we should be considering today. Stop this fraud from being perpetrated on our seniors. Vote no on this rule.”