Linda Sánchez Safe Medication Legislation Becomes Law

Press Release

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39) today applauded President Obama for signing "The Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act" into law. Included in this critical legislation are all of the provisions from the "Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011" introduced by Congresswoman Sánchez and Congressman Pat Meehan (R-PA), which will crack down on counterfeit drug trafficking.

"The American people should never have to worry whether the medications they take are safe, and I commend President Obama for signing this important legislation into law," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "I am proud the legislation Congressman Meehan and I introduced to increase penalties for trafficking counterfeit drugs became part of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. We have to do everything we can to protect seniors, children, and everyone who is vulnerable to counterfeit drugs. As a parent, I want peace of mind that the medications my family takes are safe and authentic."

Background

In November 2011, Congresswoman Sánchez and Congressman Meehan introduced "The Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011," (H.R. 3668) which would increase penalties for the trafficking of counterfeit drugs to reflect the severity of the crime and the harm to the public. In June 2012, the House of Representatives unanimously passed The Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act.

After House passage, H.R. 3668 was incorporated in "The Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act" (S. 3187), which passed the Senate on June 26, 2012. President Obama then signed S. 3187 into law in July.

Reports show that counterfeit drugs result in 100,000 fatalities worldwide each year, and account for an estimated $75 billion in annual revenue for criminal enterprises.

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