PALLONE BLASTS E&C REPUBLICAN LEADERS FOR FAILING TO ADDRESS DRUG AND DEVICE SUPPLY CHAIN VULNERABILITIES IN PAHPA REAUTHORIZATION HEARING

Statement

"I am extremely disappointed Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leaders decided not to include any legislation to strengthen drug and device supply chain safety and resilience in next week's legislative hearing on PAHPA reauthorization.

In the wake of the worst pandemic in a century, we should be working together to apply the lessons learned, including those on medical and device shortages, to prepare for future emergencies. Unfortunately, Republican leaders are refusing to do so thus far.

Democrats have put forward commonsense proposals that would improve our ability to quickly identify and respond to future pharmaceutical and medical device shortages. These policies include improved mandatory reporting of drug and medical device shortages, increased transparency in drug and active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing, new tools to support extended drug shelf life during shortages like the ongoing cancer drug supply shortages, and recall authority to ensure dangerous products can be removed from the market quickly.

Each of these proposals applies lessons learned from the past and could help us better respond during future emergencies. I hope Republican leaders will finally recognize the need to address serious vulnerabilities so that we can work together to reauthorize PAHPA on time."

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