Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, led a hearing titled “Truth in Labeling: Americans Deserve to Know Where Their Drugs Come From.” The session focused on concerns about the United States’ reliance on generic drugs manufactured overseas and introduced the CLEAR LABELS Act, which would require prescription drugs sold in the U.S. to display their country of origin.
A large portion of prescription medications used by Americans are produced in countries such as China and India. These facilities often operate under limited regulatory oversight, leaving patients and healthcare providers with little information about where medicines originate. During the hearing, committee members and expert witnesses discussed how this lack of transparency could impact patient safety and disrupt the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Senator Scott has previously worked to strengthen oversight of America’s pharmaceutical supply chains and address what he describes as a dangerous overreliance on foreign-made generics. The hearing followed a bipartisan investigative report that highlighted vulnerabilities in these supply chains. Based on findings from that report, Senator Scott and Ranking Member Gillibrand have sent multiple letters to federal agencies and industry leaders seeking more information and advocating for greater transparency regarding generic medications relied upon by Americans.
The committee has held several recent hearings—on September 17, October 8, and November 19—to further examine risks related to foreign dependence for pharmaceuticals. These sessions also explored policy options aimed at expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and ensuring access to safe, high-quality medicines for American consumers.
Witnesses at the latest hearing included Dr. John Gray from Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business; Dr. Michael Ganio from ASHP; and Dr. Stephen W. Schondelmeyer from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. They addressed critical weaknesses in the drug supply chain, described risks stemming from limited visibility into overseas manufacturing practices, and emphasized stricter reporting requirements along with country-of-origin labeling as measures needed to protect patients and support healthcare providers.
“The American people deserve full transparency when it comes to their health,” said Senator Scott during his prepared remarks for the hearing.
