Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced the USTRx Act, legislation that creates a Chief Pharmaceutical Trade Negotiator at USTR, who would have the responsibility of identifying foreign price controls on drugs innovated in the United States that increase costs for American patients. This negotiator would issue an annual report on these practices and recommend remedies as appropriate. 

“American innovation spurs medical breakthroughs that have improved care and saved lives around the world, but for far too long, foreign countries have gotten a free ride by imposing price controls on U.S. companies’ state-of-the-art treatments for their own citizens while increasing costs for patients here,” said Chairman Arrington. “Enough is enough. My USTRx Act will expose this harmful practice, hold these countries accountable, and ensure that hardworking Americans have access to the affordable, life-saving medicines they need.”

“American patients are paying more for life-saving medicines because foreign countries are free-riding on U.S. investment and innovation,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16), cosponsor of the legislation. “This is not only unfair, it’s unsustainable. I’m proud to join Chairman Arrington in introducing the USTRx Act to hold foreign governments accountable, stop price-setting practices that hurt American families and ensure those in need continue to have access to affordable, life-saving medicines. The United States must remain a global leader in medical innovation, but not at the expense of hardworking Americans.”

“Americans are paying more than they should at the pharmacy because other countries aren’t paying their fair share for innovative medicines,” said Douglas Petersen, Deputy Vice President for International Advocacy, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). “Appointing a Chief Pharmaceutical Trade Negotiator will help the administration achieve its goal to secure a better deal for American patients and workers. We appreciate the commitment of Congress and USTR to challenge unfair foreign practices and negotiate and enforce trade agreements that value America’s biopharmaceutical innovation and manufacturers.”

"Astrong biopharmaceutical industry is critical to America’s long-term economic success and to our national security,” said John F. Crowley, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). “This legislation would help ensure that U.S. companies, entrepreneurs and investors are able to compete and thrive in the global marketplace by making certain that other countries are not gaming the system or distorting the market for innovative medicines. We applaud the sponsors for introducing this important legislation.”

###