Sanders Applauds Decision to Buy Flu Shots from Europe

Sanders Applauds Decision to Buy Flu Shots from Europe; Questions Motives for Delay of Task Force Report on Drug Importation

Washington , DC - U.S. Representative Bernie Sanders today issued the following statement regarding today's announcement by the Bush Administration to buy over 4 million flu shot doses from Europe . Sanders also commented on the postponement of the release of the Health and Human Services Task Force Report on Drug Importation:

"I am pleased that the Bush Administration has, after months of delay, finally decided to purchase flu shots from Germany . This is a much needed development that will help millions of seniors and vulnerable Americans. The question arises however as to why the Bush Administration continues to oppose prescription drug reimportation when they have just shown us how easily it can be done. Ironically, the President has intentionally delayed the task force report studying reimportation that was expected out today.

"Four states in our country, a number of cities and millions of Americans are currently purchasing safe and affordable medicine from abroad. I am confident that if the Republican Leadership allows a vote, both the U.S. House and Senate could pass real prescription drug reimportation legislation as soon as Congress reconvenes in January."