U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening the pharmaceutical supply chain and reducing dependence on foreign manufacturers. The American Made Pharmaceuticals Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), seeks to incentivize domestic production of critical medicines, such as generics and biosimilars, to prevent shortages. This legislation is backed by the Michigan Hospital Association and includes provisions for preferential treatment of U.S.-manufactured drugs in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs. It also calls for pharmaceutical companies to ensure transparency on manufacturing locations, maintain emergency reserves, and develop contingency plans to address supply chain disruptions.
Slotkin, a co-founder of the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus, emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on foreign countries for essential drugs, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a key lesson in the need for secure, domestic production. The bill also includes a demonstration program for testing U.S. manufacturing preferences in at least eight states over seven years, along with enhanced transparency and reporting requirements. The goal is to protect patients from drug shortages, create jobs, and bolster national security by reducing vulnerability to global disruptions.
Read more here: https://slotkin.house.gov/media/press-releases/slotkin-pushes-strengthen-pharmaceutical-supply-chain-bipartisan-legislation.