Stauber releases bipartisan bill to bolster America’s drug supply chain

U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) on May 5 introduced bipartisan legislation that would require federal agencies to purchase pharmaceuticals produced in the United States.

Rep. Stauber sponsored the Securing America’s Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Act, H.R. 6731, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign countries for pharmaceuticals.

“COVID-19 has exposed the dangers of our reliance on China and other foreign nations for the medications so many Americans depend on,” Rep. Stauber said. “This pandemic is a harsh wakeup call.”

If enacted, H.R. 6731 would require the head of an executive agency to only purchase a covered drug if the drug is over 50 percent sourced, manufactured and assembled in the United States, according to the text of the bill.

However, the head of an executive agency may waive this requirement “if the covered drug is not available in sufficient quantity or quality as over 50 percent sourced, manufactured and assembled in the United States; or during an emergency period,” according to the text of H.R. 6731.

“I believe most Americans will no longer tolerate China’s tight grip over our pharmaceutical supply chain and are demanding change,” said Rep. Stauber. “That’s why I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will require federal agencies to purchase American-made drugs, rebuilding the American pharmaceutical supply chain and strengthening our national security by extension.”

The introduction of the bill follows a pledge by the Trump administration to increase American-Made laws and to encourage more U.S. manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.

“I know this is a top priority of the Trump administration and I look forward to helping them succeed in this critical mission,” Rep. Stauber said.

The legislation also complements the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain Act, H.R. 6630, which Rep. Stauber sponsored on April 28 to provide an additional deduction for the cost of certain materials purchased directly from a domestic smelter or processor, according to the bill’s text.