Mike Enzi: “I have never supported a bill that would allow for the importation of prescription drugs--until today. I have decided to…”

“I have never supported a bill that would allow for the importation of prescription drugs--until today. I have decided to cosponsor Senator Gregg's bill to permit the carefully regulated importation of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The bill also would regulate the dispensing of medications by Internet pharmacies and strengthen the laws and regulations that protect Americans from the dangers of counterfeit drugs. I have long opposed drug importation on the grounds that current laws, regulations, and practices are insufficient to allow for the safe opening of our currently closed drug distribution system. I have said that I could not support any plan to legalize drug importation that does not ensure that the drugs that are imported are safe, effective, and will not compromise the integrity of our Nation's prescription drug supply or our world-leading pharmaceutical research. With that in mind, Senator Gregg's bill is the first piece of legislation I have seen that would craft an importation system with the appropriate safeguards and limitations necessary to protect the public health. Senator Gregg's bill would allow importation of FDA-approved drugs manufactured in FDA-inspected facilities only. His bill would permit the importation of drugs from Canada only, with the possibility that the FDA could approve importation from other countries in the future.”