Urges Biden Administration to lift regulatory freeze on executive orders designed to reduce cost of life-saving prescription drugs for Americans.
The resolution highlights the potential benefits of the suspended executive orders. One notable provision is that it would require discounts received from drug companies to be passed directly to patients at community health centers. This measure is expected to provide immediate financial relief to those who rely on essential medications. Additionally, the initiatives outlined in the executive orders could promote safe and legal importation of prescription drugs from countries where prices are significantly lower, potentially transforming the landscape of medication accessibility in the U.S.
Senate Resolution No. 18 (SR18) urges the Biden Administration to lift the regulatory freeze on executive orders meant to reduce the cost of life-saving prescription drugs for Americans. Specifically, the resolution references executive orders issued by President Donald J. Trump on July 24, 2020, which aimed to significantly lower the prices of essential medications, including insulin and epinephrine. These actions are presented as essential for ensuring access to affordable health care, particularly for vulnerable populations such as seniors, the uninsured, and impoverished groups who face high out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter.
The resolution faces notable contention primarily stemming from differing political views on health care policy and government regulation in the pharmaceutical industry. Supporters argue that reinstating these executive orders would alleviate financial burdens for many Americans, while opponents may argue about the implications of importation policies and whether they could undermine U.S. pharmaceutical innovation or safety standards. As a result, the discussion surrounding SR18 encapsulates broader debates about health care accessibility and the role of government in regulating drug prices.