WASHINGTON, DC - This afternoon, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1919 the Safeguarding America’s Pharmaceuticals Act of 2013, by voice vote. The bipartisan legislation, authored by Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), would enhance the security of the pharmaceutical distribution supply chain for America’s patients while preventing duplicative federal and state requirements from being imposed on drug manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and pharmacies. Further, the legislation would establish a collaborative, transparent process between the FDA and stakeholders in order to better understand how and when to move to unit-level traceability.
“By replacing the current patchwork of multiple state laws with a uniform national standard we improve safety, eliminate duplicative regulations, and create certainty for all members of the pharmaceutical supply chain," stated Rep. Latta during today’s floor debate. Latta also made the case for H.R. 1919 in an op-ed featured by The Hill’s Congress Blog, writing, “With over 4 billion prescriptions filled each year in United States, it is of utmost importance that we implement commonsense solutions to safeguard our distribution supply chain to protect American families against counterfeit pharmaceuticals and improve security and integrity throughout."
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) stated, “H.R. 1919 would strengthen the prescription drug supply chain in order to protect American families against counterfeit drugs. The bill also would help prevent increases in drug prices, avoid additional drug shortages, and eliminate hundreds of millions of dollars worth of duplicative government red tape on American businesses that is harming job growth." Upton went on to add, “Because of the hard work that already has been put in on this issue and the importance of protecting our nation’s families from counterfeit drugs, I am hopeful we can get a product to the president’s desk by the August recess."
