The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on July 23 unanimously passed a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) that aims to improve access to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
“I’m proud to lead the reauthorization of this critical program and thank my Energy and Commerce colleagues for advancing this important legislation,” Rep. Latta said.
The committee voted 51-0 to advance the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments (OMUFA), H.R. 4273, sponsored on July 2 by Rep. Latta alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), to revise and extend the user fee program for OTC monograph drugs.
The over-the-counter monograph drug user fee program (OMUFA) allows consumers to manage their own care safely and affordably, according to Rep. Latta, who five years ago sponsored the original legislation that was enacted to modernize how the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates most OTC medicines.
“These reforms transformed a 40-year-old system, making it more efficient, transparent, and open to innovation,” the congressman said.
Rep. DeGette pointed out that the passage of OMUFA out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee will help to ensure that OTC medications are safe, effective, and accessible.
“I’m glad to have worked on this important, bipartisan legislation to build on our success and ensure the FDA can continue their work to deliver trusted medicines to all Americans,” said Rep. DeGette.
H.R. 4273 now heads to the full U.S. House of Representatives for action.