The U.S. Senate on Wednesday rejected two efforts (including one backed by Arizona Republican John McCain) to lift bans on prescription drug imports. The Senate nixed drug import plans backed by McCain in the Senate and by Arizona Democrat Harry Mitchell in the House, which were proposed as part of broader health care reforms.
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) backs President Barack Obama's health care reform efforts, and these votes against drug imports appear to be quid pro quo.
The Senate voted 51-48 for a drug import plan favored by McCain and Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D.. But that amendment failed to get the necessary 60 votes to be included in the Senate health reform bill. Thirty Democrats, 17 Republicans (including Arizona's Jon Kyl) and Sen. Joseph Lieberman voted against the import measure.
McCain, Mitchell and other import supporters want to allow prescription drugs into the U.S. from Canada and Europe to put downward price pressure on U.S. drug companies.
Mitchell is disappointed by the Senate action and apparent trade-off between the pharmaceutical industry and the administration.
“This was an important provision, and it is unfortunate that it failed,” he said. “Spending on prescription drugs has increased faster than any other category of health care in the United States, and prices have risen 9 percent this year alone. This provision could have saved Arizonans 40 (percent) to 70 percent on the cost of their prescriptions while ensuring they are safe.”
Drug companies cite safety worries about imports and say opening up the markets will cut into their ability to put revenue toward research and development. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., was among those opposing drug imports. So was Kyl, who is an ardent free trade opponent when it comes to prescription drugs. Kyl cited safety worries in his opposition.
The votes are a big win for the drug industry, which staved off previous big import pushes during the George W. Bush administration.
“We continue to support comprehensive health care reform so that millions of uninsured Americans can access high-quality and affordable health care coverage and services," PhRMA Senior Vice President Ken Johnson said in a prepared statement. “We believe that if health reform is done in a smart way, prescription drug importation is not necessary because most Americans will finally have health insurance and access to safe and secure prescription medicines.”
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