Pallone on E&C Committee Republicans’ Drug Shortages Discussion Draft

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today after Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans finally released draft legislation in response to the national drug shortage crisis: 

“After months of inaction, Committee Republicans’ decision to release a discussion draft on the first day of August recess is insufficient. 

“Americans have been dealing with these shortages for months as chemotherapy appointments are canceled and families spend hours calling around to pharmacies desperate to fill prescriptions. Drug shortages are impacting millions of people and Republicans have refused to work with Democrats to address this crisis. 

“I’m concerned that some of the Republican proposals are just handouts to pharmaceutical corporations that would increase costs for patients and potentially lead to more shortages. 

“In order to properly respond to the current shortages, Congress needs to empower FDA with the tools it needs to monitor the market and quickly act to address shortages. Democrats have been calling for action for months and have already put forward a series of meaningful proposals to address these shortages. It’s long past time for Republicans to work with us to pass legislation that provides actual relief to the millions of Americans impacted by the national drug shortage crisis.” 

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