Golden Defeats Big Pharma-Backed Amendment and Protects Madawaska Mill Jobs

Press Release

After months of advocacy, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) successfully worked to defeat an amendment backed by the pharmaceutical lobby that would have jeopardized hundreds of good-paying Maine jobs. The failure of the amendment means the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will continue to require prescription drug medications to include a paper insert with drug information rather than requiring the information to be distributed electronically. Twin Rivers Paper in Madawaska is the leading manufacturer of the paper inserts and employs over 500 people.

"I was proud to lead my colleagues to choose hundreds of good-paying, union jobs in a rural community that needs them over the priorities of pharmaceutical companies," said Golden. "I came here to represent my constituents and stand up for their jobs and I'm proud to get this done for the workers in Madawaska."

The amendment, submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appropriations bill, had the backing of the Alliance to Modernize Prescription Information, a dark money group funded by the likes of Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Pfizer. After direct pressure from Golden, both formally and behind the scenes, the House Rules Committee kept the prescription labeling requirement in the legislation and did not allow the pharma-backed amendment for House floor consideration.

Despite evidence that the move could have adverse impacts on public health, the FDA had proposed a rule that would replace the current paper copies of important medication information with an electronic -- and less accessible -- copy. A Government Accountability Office study showed that relying on electronic labeling rather than paper inserts could have negative public health effects, particularly in rural settings.

"With the challenges that this country is facing with both cybersecurity and broadband availability, a move to e-labeling at this juncture would put the consumer at greater risk. Issues with patients not getting the most up-to-date information on drug use, side effects, and dosage as well as potential tampering with pharmaceutical information are all potential risks that can occur. We appreciate Congressman Golden's leadership to ensure that this year's FDA funding bill safeguards patient access to a secure paper copy of their medication information." - Brian McAlary, VP Business Development and Technical Paper Sales, Twin Rivers Paper Company

"At a time when millions of Americas still lack reliable internet access, it is vital that they are able to maintain their access to paper descriptions of their pharmaceuticals. USW paper workers are proud to make pharmaceutical printed literature in Maine, allowing families and consumers to ensure safe pharmaceutical usage regardless of their circumstances. We want to thank Reps. Golden and Pingree for supporting Maine jobs and protecting consumer choice." - Del Vitale, USW District 4 Director

Since arriving in Congress, Golden has consistently fought to maintain the provision prohibiting the FDA from green-lighting electronic prescription labels. In April 2019, Golden led a bipartisan effort to secure the language in the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations bill. The language has been enacted in each appropriations law since then.

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