WASHINGTON, D.C. – The White House announced new actions to strengthen America’s pharmaceutical supply chains and address prescription drug shortages following Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter’s (R-GA) leadership on these issues as a pharmacist by trade and Chair of the Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus.
Currently, the U.S. is experiencing a shortage of over 240 essential medications, leaving many states without necessary resources to provide for their citizens’ health and safety. This is due, in part, to the United States’ dependence on China and other foreign adversaries for pharmaceuticals. Chinese imports to the U.S. now account for 95 percent of ibuprofen, 91 percent of hydrocortisone, 70 percent of acetaminophen, and 40 to 45 percent of penicillin.
“As a pharmacist, ensuring that life-saving medications are accessible, available, and affordable has been one of my top priorities in Congress. I’m glad that the White House has paid attention to this bipartisan effort and is working towards building a more resilient domestic pharmaceutical supply chain and stockpiling essential medications on both the national and state levels,” said Rep. Carter. “We have a lot more work to do, including passing my MADE in America Act, but this is a positive step that will bring relief to Americans and our health care system.”
Pulling from Rep. Carter’s landmark and bipartisan Manufacturing API, Drugs, and Excipients (MADE) in America Act, State Strategic Stockpile Act, and Essential Medicine Strategic Stockpile Act, the White House’s plan will:
- Use the Defense Production Act to make more essential medicines in America and mitigate drug shortages;
- Establish a White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience; and,
- Establish the Global Regulatory Working Group on Drug Shortages.
Read more about the White House’s plan here.
Click to read full text of Rep. Carter’s MADE in America Act, State Strategic Stockpile Act, and Essential Medicine Strategic Stockpile Act.
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