Florida’s Bilirakis and Soto push bill to reduce China pharmaceutical dependence

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FLV) – Reps. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., and Darren Soto, D-Fla., were joined by other congressional members supporting legislation that would reduce the United States’ pharmaceutical dependence on China and other “adversaries.”

The act is entitled the Manufacturing API, Drugs, and Excipients in America Act, or MADE in America Act.

“Throughout the country, Americans are continuing to suffer from shortages in critical medications because our pharmaceutical supply chain relies too heavily on foreign sources that are vulnerable to disruptions,” Bilirakis said.

“I’m proud to be working with my colleagues on this important legislation that will solve this problem by encouraging the development of medications that are Made in the USA,” he said.

His office warned that 72% of pharmaceutical ingredients used in the U.S. are made in 150 other countries, with 13% from China.

Soto said the coronavirus pandemic served as a warning for the U.S. in its reliance on China and other countries.

“The pandemic showed us that the U.S. should lead and prioritize domestic manufacturing of drugs, API, PPE, and diagnostics,” Soto said. “The MADE in America Act will help uplift manufacturers and provide the resources to make the process beneficial for them as well.”

“It is encouraging to see Members from both sides of the aisle come together with a common goal to make America stronger,” he said.

The Florida lawmakers were joined by Reps. Earl Carter, R-Ga., Matt Cartwright, D-Penn., and Carol Miller, R-W.V.

Bilirakis’ office argued the bill would incentivize drugs to be manufactured domestically via a new tax credit for manufacturers in “Opportunity Zones” across the country.

“This will work to bring manufacturing back to the United States through incentives aimed at leveling the playing field, rather than through punitive and ultimately counter-productive mandates,” his office said.