Hudson Bills to Lower Drug Costs, Increase Oversight of China, Included in FDA Legislative Package
Press Release
Two bills by U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) have been included in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Act of 2022. Introduced by Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Chairwoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA), the package reauthorizes the FDA User Fee Agreements and includes provisions led by Rep. Hudson and House Republicans to lower costs, spur lifesaving innovation, secure America's supply chains, protect access to breakthrough drugs and therapies, and improve people's lives.
To lower drug costs, Rep. Hudson introduced H.R. 7035, the Biologics Market Transparency Act. Included as part of the FDA Act, the legislation would drive biopharmaceutical competition and ensure continuous access to essential medicines by requiring prompt reports of changes in availability of biologics and biosimilars. Rep. Hudson introduced the bill with Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC).
To enhance medical integrity and transparency, Rep. Hudson introduced H.R. 6980, the Unannounced Inspections Pilot Act. Also included as part of the FDA Act, the legislation would strengthen agency oversight over foreign medical product manufacturing through a pilot program that would conduct unannounced inspections of foreign human drug establishments and inform the FDA on ensuring safety and quality of foreign operating practices. Rep. Hudson introduced the bill with Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA).
"I am proud my legislation to address drug costs and transparency have been included in the FDA Act. As part of this package, these bipartisan measures will drive competition to lower costs, ensure access to essential medicines, and increase oversight over foreign nations like China to protect patient safety," said Rep. Hudson. "As a leader in House Republicans' Healthy Futures Task Force, I look forward to advancing these bills in the Energy and Commerce Committee and House of Representatives."
Next week, the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee will mark up the FDA Act, which includes Rep. Hudson's H.R. 7035 and H.R. 6980. Read more here.
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