PhRMA: New Ad Targets Prescription Drug Import Bill
The bill that would allow foreign prescription drugs to be imported to the United States is under fire by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America in a new ad airing nationwide. The ad is running in the districts of the 17 lawmakers who are serving on a congressional conference committee to finalize the bill. The conference members include: Sens. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.); Christopher Bond (R-Mo.); Tom Harkin (D-Iowa); Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.); Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.); Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.); Richard Durbin (D-Ill.); Reps. Joe Skeen (R-N.M.); James Walsh (R-N.Y.); Jay Dickey (R-Ark.); Jack Kingston (R-Ga.); Henry Bonilla (R-Texas); Tom Latham (R-Iowa); Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio); Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.); Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.); and Sam Farr (D-Calif.). Titled "Bad Medicine," the PhRMA ad states: "There is a bill in Congress that could jeopardize the safety of our prescription medicines. This bill would allow medicines from foreign countries to be imported into the United States that have not been approved for importation. Medicines that may not have passed our vigorous FDA safety standards. Medicines that may be counterfeit." The ad continues: "America's pharmaceutical companies provide Americans with safe, effective medicines that have been tested through strictly enforced government trials to ensure their safety. Imported medicines that are unregulated are the wrong prescription for America." The 60-second spot concludes by urging constituents to call their congressperson and "tell [him or her] to stop the foreign drug import amendment" (National Journal Group, 7/26). To view the ad, go to http://video.cloakroom.com/2000archive/07/0726phrma1.rm. Note: You will need RealPlayer G2 to view the ad.
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