Rep. Hudson introduced bill that seeks to improve drug supply chain

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced a bill that looks to identify obstacles in the drug supply chain that hinder domestic manufacturing.

Further, the bill, the American Drug Supply Chain Act, provides incentives to bring more drug manufacturing back to the United States.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the dangers of having too much of our critical prescription drug supply chain overseas in countries like China. That’s why I’m working to ensure as many drugs as possible are made right here in the United States to protect patients, defend our national security, and create good, high-paying manufacturing jobs in our country,” Hudson said. “I’m proud to partner with my friend Representative Blunt-Rochester on introducing the Improving the American Drug Supply Chain Act to lay the groundwork to achieve this important goal.”

Hudson said the pandemic has exposed the dangers of being too reliant on a foreign supply chain for critical medicines.

“The issues with our country’s drug supply chain have come to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many Americans have struggled to access the critical medicines they need. We must bolster our domestic drug manufacturing infrastructure so we can prevent drug shortages, improve patient care, and reduce disruptions in the supply chain,” bill co-sponsor Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) said. “I’m proud to work with my colleague, Congressman Hudson, on introducing the Improving the American Drug Supply Chain Act so we can develop secure supply chains in the United States.”

Hudson has written or cosponsored other bills related to improving health care and boosting American manufacturing. Including the Advancing IOT Manufacturing Act, which passed the U.S. House last month. He also cosponsored the Strengthening America’s Strategic National Stockpile Act, which also passed in the U.S. House.