July 26, 2002
The Honorable W. J. "Billy" Tauzin Dear Mr. Chairman: You know of our longstanding interest in addressing abuses of the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 (the Hatch-Waxman Amendments), which are delaying the entry of low cost generic drugs into the marketplace. Curbing these abuses and making generic drugs more widely available would substantially reduce the high cost of prescription drugs. We know you would agree that there is an urgent need to make prescription drugs affordable for all Americans as well as for the federal government if it is to undertake successfully a prescription drug benefit for seniors. Earlier this year, during our consideration of the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, you made a commitment that this Committee would hold a hearing to consider the need for legislative action to improve access to generic drugs. It is both timely and urgent that the committee proceed with that hearing. We note that the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions has recently acted on S. 812, a bill that seeks to increase the availability of generic drugs by closing loopholes in the Hatch-Waxman Amendments. We also note that in another matter recently acted on in the Senate, also related to reducing drug costs -- the reimportation of prescription drugs from Canada -- the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing yesterday. We urge you take similar prompt action and schedule a hearing immediately upon our return from the August recess to consider legislation to end abuses of the Hatch-Waxman Amendments. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, JOHN D. DINGELL HENRY A. WAXMAN SHERROD BROWN
cc: The Honorable Michael Bilirakis, Chairman
| |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
