Orrin Hatch: “the Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act represents a too-rare-but-productive alliance…”

“the Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act represents a too-rare-but-productive alliance between Democrats and Republicans and between consumer groups and FDA-regulated products manufacturers. This is a significant consumer protection measure. On behalf of my cosponsors, Senators Durbin, Harkin, Enzi, Kennedy, and Cornyn, I want to express our enthusiasm that the bill will be approved by the Senate tonight. Senator Durbin, Senator Harkin, and I have been working on this legislation for more than 2 years. Our effort has been enhanced by the expertise of Chairman Enzi and Senator Kennedy. More recently, we were pleased that Senator Cornyn joined our ranks. I must also pay great tribute to our lead House sponsor, Representative Chris Cannon. We have consulted broadly with all who have an interest in this issue--dietary supplement and nonprescription drug manufacturers, consumer and public health groups, retailers, wholesalers, and, of course, their lawyers! . We have had meeting after meeting with the Food and Drug Administration. Wherever possible, we have incorporated provisions to address their concerns. The result--some 24 months and 21 drafts later--is the bill we consider tonight. Some of my colleagues may ask, ``Why is this bill necessary?'' Let me answer that question. Over half our population regularly uses dietary supplements.…”