Measure targets reduced dependence on foreign supply chain

A group of lawmakers recently reintroduced a bill they said is designed to make the nation’s pharmaceutical supply chain less dependent on foreign countries like China.

U.S. Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Tom Rice (R-SC), Darren Soto (D-FL), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) presented the Manufacturing API, Drugs and Excipients (MADE) in America Act. The legislation would decrease drug shortages and incentivize the domestic manufacturing of drugs, API, personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostics.

“The COVID-19 pandemic made it very clear that America cannot continue to rely on foreign entities like China for life-saving medications,” Carter said. “This legislation is designed to significantly reduce the advantage that foreign countries provide and encourage companies to maintain, expand or relocate their production activities back to the United States and its territories through a tax credit that will serve the most disadvantaged communities in our nation. We simply can no longer be dependent on our enemies for anything, especially medications. America must secure pharmaceutical independence.”

Rice said America currently obtains 72 percent of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) from other countries, including 13 percent from China.

“I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan MADE in America Act to incentivize drug manufacturing right here in the U.S., instead of shipping abroad our manufacturing needs and the jobs that come with them,” he said. “This tax credit will address vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain while making our public health and national security stronger and more resilient.”