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Paul Co-sponsors Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Prices |
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FOR RELEASE: July 12, 2001 Paul Co-sponsors Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Prices
Washington, DC; Congressman Ron Paul yesterday joined a bipartisan group of his Congressional colleagues in sponsoring legislation designed to lower the cost of prescription drugs. The legislation, introduced as an amendment to a larger appropriations bill, would permit individuals and pharmacies to reimport prescription drugs manufactured in the U.S. Current FDA rules prohibit drug reimportation, stifling price competition and driving prices higher. "It's an outrage that American consumers, especially seniors, have to pay more for needed medicines than consumers in foreign countries," Paul stated. "Many widely used drugs sell for far less in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Some seniors in my district are forced to travel to Mexico in order to afford their monthly prescriptions. As a physician and a legislator, I'm disturbed that American citizens can't benefit from worldwide price competition because of harmful FDA regulations." Following debate yesterday, the House passed a narrower version of the reimportation bill; the measure now heads to the Senate for approval. "I'm convinced that concern over skyrocketing prescription drug prices ultimately will force lawmakers and the President to support this needed reform," Paul continued. "Drug reimportation will drastically reduce the price of many prescription drugs in this country," Paul concluded. "Congress needs to send a message to pharmaceutical companies that American citizens cannot be forced to pay more than consumers in other countries. It's time to eliminate needless federal restrictions which drive up drug prices. American consumers should always be free to buy needed medicines from foreign or internet pharmacies if they choose."
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