Reps. Craig, Van Drew Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Critical Medication Shortages and Reduce American Reliance on Chinese Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen domestic medication supply chains and reduce American reliance on China for critical medications.  

The bipartisan Rolling Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient and Drug Reserve (RAPID Reserve) Act would encourage the domestic production of critical medications and incentivize American-based manufacturers to increase their reserves of these medications to prepare for future public health threats and supply chain challenges. 

Currently, nearly 80% of the manufacturing facilities that produce critical pharmaceutical ingredients are located outside the United States. 

“Manufacturing critical medications here in America will strengthen our domestic supply chains, create good-paying jobs and most importantly, get life-saving medications into the hands of Minnesotans,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m proud to be reintroducing this common-sense, bipartisan legislation with Rep. Van Drew – because manufacturing pharmaceuticals here at home instead of in China is a no-brainer.”  

“I am proud to be a part of this bill because it just makes sense,” said Rep. Van Drew. “The RAPID Reserve Act is about making sure we are not relying on China for the medicine we need. We should be making these critical drugs here in America, creating jobs, and keeping our country safe. It is common sense, and it is long overdue.”

U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Ted Budd (R-MO) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

The bill is endorsed by the Association for Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the Healthcare Distribution Alliance and Phlow Corp.

You can read the text of the RAPID Reserve Acthere.

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