Us Congress House Bill HB7155

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

United States-Abraham Accords Cooperation and Security Act of 2024

Impact

If enacted, HB7155 would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by creating specific provisions for the Abraham Accords Bureau. This new bureau would enable the FDA to support healthcare operations by consulting with Abraham Accords countries to shift U.S. supply chains of essential medical products from countries with significant human rights concerns to those participating in the Abraham Accords. It would also include establishing offices in these countries to facilitate direct engagement and collaboration.

Summary

House Bill 7155, titled the 'United States-Abraham Accords Cooperation and Security Act of 2024', proposes the establishment of an Abraham Accords Bureau within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This bureau aims to foster collaboration between the FDA and entities in countries that are part of the Abraham Accords, facilitating their participation in the U.S. healthcare market, particularly in the development and sale of essential medical products. The bill seeks to enhance bilateral trade and healthcare partnerships in the region resulting from the Abraham Accords.

Contention

The bill may raise points of contention regarding the limitations it places on assistance for entities in covered countries, as it prohibits aid to those utilizing ingredients or products sourced from countries designated as concerning for religious freedom or human rights violations. This aspect may be met with scrutiny from advocacy groups who oppose fostering business ties in regions perceived as problematic. Additionally, the effectiveness of such a bureau in advancing the U.S. health needs remains a topic of potential debate among policymakers and stakeholders.