Pharmaceutical Independence Long-Term Readiness Reform Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Pharmaceutical Independence Long-Term Readiness Reform Act.'' I want to thank Congresswoman Hartzler for her support as an original cosponsor.

Our legislation would require the Department of Defense to acquire and purchase only American-made raw materials, medicines, and vaccines for our military. It would also require the Department of Defense to identify the national security vulnerabilities caused by our country's current dependence on Chinese pharmaceuticals.

As a result of the Chinese government's chokehold on the generic pharmaceutical market, our military servicemembers have been left vulnerable. China is a principal creator of generic prescriptions, which account for approximately 90 percent of the global pharmaceutical market.

The reality is that if the Chinese wanted to cripple the United States they could sabotage or cut off our supply of generic medications and antibiotics used by our military. This simply is a vulnerability that we cannot let continue to exist. We need to reinvigorate the United States' industrial base to produce generic medicines and antibiotics domestically, ensuring the readiness of our military forces.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join us in cosponsoring the ``Pharmaceutical Independence Long-Term Readiness Reform Act.''

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