Statement of the Hon. DeLauro on Secretary Thompson Reimportation Comments

Statement of the Hon. DeLauro on Secretary Thompson Reimportation Comments

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro today issued the following statement in response to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson's statement that he thinks that prescription drug reimportation is going to pass in Congress and that he would advise President Bush not to stand in the way of legislation to make it legal for drugs to be imported from abroad. (AP 5/4/03)

I am pleased that Secretary Thompson realizes that prescription drug reimportation is a good solution to helping our seniors with high drug costs. It appears that the Administration is finally accepting what seniors have known for a long time - that the price of prescription drugs in the United States is much too high. Reimportation is a safe way for seniors to get the medicine they need, without having to sacrifice food or other necessities in their budget. Reimportation already passed overwhelmingly in the House and I urge the Senate to move quickly to pass legislation that would help our seniors with skyrocketing drug costs.