Pasco Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Earlier today Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) Darren Soto (D-FL), Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA), Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced legislation to make the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain less dependent on China and other foreign adversaries.  According to the Food and Drug Administration, approximately 72 percent of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) used in the U.S. drug supply are manufactured in more than 150 countries, with 13 percent coming from China alone. The U.S. is also dependent on other countries for personal protective equipment (PPE), with approximately 95 percent of surgical masks and 70 percent of tighter-fitting respirators, such as N95 masks, being made overseas.  The Manufacturing API, Drugs, and Excipients (MADE) in America Act will work to mitigate drug shortages and medical supply chain crunches while incentivizing the domestic manufacturing of drugs, API, PPE, and diagnostics.

“Throughout the country, Americans are continuing to suffer from shortages in critical medications because our pharmaceutical supply chain relies too heavily on foreign sources that are vulnerable to disruptions,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “I’m proud to be working with my colleagues on this important legislation that will solve this problem by encouraging the development of medications that are Made in the USA.”

“The pandemic showed us that the U.S. should lead and prioritize domestic manufacturing of drugs, API, PPE, and diagnostics. The MADE in America Act will help uplift manufacturers and provide the resources to make the process beneficial for them as well. It is encouraging to see Members from both sides of the aisle come together with a common goal to make America stronger,” said Rep. Soto.

"With China spying on Americans, threatening an invasion of Taiwan, and ignoring human rights, it is clear America cannot continue to rely on them for lifesaving medications," said Rep. Carter. "This legislation is designed to significantly reduce the advantage that foreign adversaries provide and encourage companies to maintain, expand or relocate their production activities back to the United States and its territories through a tax credit that will serve the most disadvantaged communities in our nation. We simply can no longer be dependent on our enemies for anything, especially essential medications and medical supplies. America must secure pharmaceutical independence."

“America’s scientific community is second to none. There’s no reason we shouldn’t also lead the world in making lifesaving medicines,” said Rep. Matt Cartwright. “As we work to revitalize our nation’s manufacturing base, this legislation will bring the production of medications Americans rely on every day back to our shores.”

“The success of United States supply chain can be our best asset in deterring China and other adversaries. Fixing the vulnerabilities in our supply chain bolsters domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, enhances our national security, and lowers costs for Americans. The MADE in America Act is necessary to keep our medical supply chain competitive and promote job creation in the United States,” said Representative Miller.

The MADE in America Act would address vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain in a very distinct way. For America's national security, the legislation incentivizes the domestic manufacturing of drugs, API, PPE, and diagnostics to make the U.S. supply chain less dependent on foreign adversaries like China. This is achieved through a new tax credit that would only apply to manufacturers operating in certain Opportunity Zones across the United States. This will work to bring manufacturing back to the United States through incentives aimed at leveling the playing field, rather than through punitive and ultimately counter-productive mandates. 

Original source can be found here.