Paul Fights for Senior Citizens and Affordable Prescription Drugs

FOR RELEASE: July 27, 2000

Washington, D.C. - On Wednesday, Representative Ron Paul urged Congress to reduce the price of pharmaceuticals by cosponsoring his "Pharmaceutical Freedom Act" (HR 3636). In a letter to his colleagues, Paul said his bill will help millions of Americans afford the medications they need by reducing barriers to importing FDA-approved pharmaceuticals.

"The 'Pharmaceutical Freedom Act' allows anyone wishing to import a prescription drug to submit an application to the FDA, which it must approve unless the drug is not permitted in the U.S. or is adulterated," said Paul. "This places the burden on the FDA to show why someone should not be allowed to import quality pharmaceutical products."

Other key aspects of the "Pharmaceutical Freedom Act" are a tax credit for senior citizens for up to 80% of their prescription drug costs, and language that forbids the federal government from imposing new regulations on internet pharmacies that are in compliance with all state laws. Paul said it is critical that Congress starts putting the health care concerns of seniors before its pork-barrel projects.

"Many seniors are struggling to afford the prescription drugs they need in order to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle" Paul continued. "Yet the federal government imposes taxes on Social Security benefits and over-regulates new, cost-effective ways to obtain medications, like the Internet pharmacies. Congress must choose between helping seniors afford prescription drugs or using the Social Security trust fund for big government spending."

"One of the best ways to make pharmaceuticals affordable is to remove government-imposed barriers to free trade," Paul concluded. "My 'Pharmaceutical Freedom Act' will create a true free market in prescription medicine, while cutting taxes on senior citizens. I call on my colleagues to join me in fighting for America's seniors and their health."