House OKs prescription drug imports

[one...two...tree 2,762]

By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer

The House passed legislation Thursday effectively permitting the importation of lower-cost prescription drugs from places such as Canada, Australia and Europe.

The move came as lawmakers passed a $91 billion spending measure funding farm subsidies and nutrition programs for the budget year beginning Oct. 1.

The bill, passed by a 237-18 vote, faces a promised veto from President Bush over its price tag, and the administration also opposes the drug importation provision.

The sprawling measure is the final domestic spending bill to pass the House. It contains almost $1 billion more than requested by Bush. But the overall measure is more than $10 billion below comparable costs for the current budget year because it does not contain farm disaster aid and reflects lower crop subsidy costs due to the good farm economy.

The administration "strongly opposes" the drug provision, which would effectively permit individuals, wholesalers and pharmacists to import lower cost U.S.-made and FDA-approved prescription drugs from Canada and other countries.

The White House says there is no system in place to protect consumers from counterfeit or unsafe drugs, but an administration policy statement stops short of an outright veto threat.

"I understand the intention to lower drug prices to the seniors, that is critically important," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich. "What we're doing is throwing open the gates to every (drug) counterfeiter in the world."

A move supported by drug companies to strike the drug importation provisions from the bill was defeated 283-146.

Supporters of the idea say it would save consumers great sums by allowing them to purchase U.S.-made medications from other countries where they often sell for much lower prices than in the U.S. Under current law, consumers are permitted to buy a 90-day supply in Canada.

Overseas, drugs can cost two-thirds less than they do in the United States, where prices for brand-name drugs are among the highest in the world. In many industrialized countries, prices are lower because they are either controlled or partially controlled by government regulation.

"I would prefer to stand up for my constituents in Missouri as opposed to the pharmaceutical companies keeping competition and low prices out of this country," said Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo.

Similar drug importation language has passed the House in recent years but has been forced out by GOP leaders and the White House during House-Senate negotiations.

On spending matters, the measure funds both mandatory programs such as farm subsidies — whose budgets are set according to eligibility criteria — as well as discretionary funding set by lawmakers each year.

The Women, Infants and Children program, which provides food aid to pregnant women and children, would receive $233 million, or 4 percent, more than requested by Bush.

The bill also finances farm subsidies and loan programs, whose costs have gone way down because of high commodity prices. The Commodity Credit Corp. would receive $13 billion, a $10 billion cut from current levels.

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

Tensions flared late in the debate as the House voted on a GOP motion to require a further amendment to the measure ensuring that illegal immigrants would not benefit from any programs funded by the bill. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., insisted illegal immigrants weren't eligible anyway.

The vote was close as almost 20 swing district Democrats initially supported the idea.

Just as Rep. Michael McNulty, D-N.Y., gaveled the vote to a close and said the GOP motion failed on a 214-214 tie, the tally board inside the chamber read that it had passed by a 215-213 vote. After final switches by Democrats, the tally moved back in their column.

Republicans cried "Shame, shame, shame," and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., moved for a revote.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer

The House passed legislation Thursday effectively permitting the importation of lower-cost prescription drugs from places such as Canada, Australia and Europe.

The move came as lawmakers passed a $91 billion spending measure funding farm subsidies and nutrition programs for the budget year beginning Oct. 1.

The bill, passed by a 237-18 vote, faces a promised veto from President Bush over its price tag, and the administration also opposes the drug importation provision.

The sprawling measure is the final domestic spending bill to pass the House. It contains almost $1 billion more than requested by Bush. But the overall measure is more than $10 billion below comparable costs for the current budget year because it does not contain farm disaster aid and reflects lower crop subsidy costs due to the good farm economy.

The administration "strongly opposes" the drug provision, which would effectively permit individuals, wholesalers and pharmacists to import lower cost U.S.-made and FDA-approved prescription drugs from Canada and other countries.

The White House says there is no system in place to protect consumers from counterfeit or unsafe drugs, but an administration policy statement stops short of an outright veto threat.

"I understand the intention to lower drug prices to the seniors, that is critically important," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich. "What we're doing is throwing open the gates to every (drug) counterfeiter in the world."

A move supported by drug companies to strike the drug importation provisions from the bill was defeated 283-146.

Supporters of the idea say it would save consumers great sums by allowing them to purchase U.S.-made medications from other countries where they often sell for much lower prices than in the U.S. Under current law, consumers are permitted to buy a 90-day supply in Canada.

Overseas, drugs can cost two-thirds less than they do in the United States, where prices for brand-name drugs are among the highest in the world. In many industrialized countries, prices are lower because they are either controlled or partially controlled by government regulation.

"I would prefer to stand up for my constituents in Missouri as opposed to the pharmaceutical companies keeping competition and low prices out of this country," said Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo.

Similar drug importation language has passed the House in recent years but has been forced out by GOP leaders and the White House during House-Senate negotiations.

On spending matters, the measure funds both mandatory programs such as farm subsidies — whose budgets are set according to eligibility criteria — as well as discretionary funding set by lawmakers each year.

The Women, Infants and Children program, which provides food aid to pregnant women and children, would receive $233 million, or 4 percent, more than requested by Bush.

The bill also finances farm subsidies and loan programs, whose costs have gone way down because of high commodity prices. The Commodity Credit Corp. would receive $13 billion, a $10 billion cut from current levels.

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

Tensions flared late in the debate as the House voted on a GOP motion to require a further amendment to the measure ensuring that illegal immigrants would not benefit from any programs funded by the bill. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., insisted illegal immigrants weren't eligible anyway.

The vote was close as almost 20 swing district Democrats initially supported the idea.

Just as Rep. Michael McNulty, D-N.Y., gaveled the vote to a close and said the GOP motion failed on a 214-214 tie, the tally board inside the chamber read that it had passed by a 215-213 vote. After final switches by Democrats, the tally moved back in their column.

Republicans cried "Shame, shame, shame," and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., moved for a revote.

91 BILLION? Im gonna quit my job! Cya in line Steve.

[jundp 191]

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

OK, Steve, I know you are posting this because of the prescription drug side of it (Or I assume b/c of the post title) but the above caught my attention. Do we slaughter horses for human consumption in theis country? Oh. My. Gawd.

And actually, I can see both sides of the prescription drug issue. Prescription drug prices are insane in this country (as is health care...but that's a whole new ball o wax) but at the same time, you don't want to allow for a tidal wave of counterfeiting either...especially when the people who would be most affected are the ones we really need to protect...the very old and the very young. Interesting post though. I'm interested to see how it turns out.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

OK, Steve, I know you are posting this because of the prescription drug side of it (Or I assume b/c of the post title) but the above caught my attention. Do we slaughter horses for human consumption in theis country? Oh. My. Gawd.

And actually, I can see both sides of the prescription drug issue. Prescription drug prices are insane in this country (as is health care...but that's a whole new ball o wax) but at the same time, you don't want to allow for a tidal wave of counterfeiting either...especially when the people who would be most affected are the ones we really need to protect...the very old and the very young. Interesting post though. I'm interested to see how it turns out.

The very old are takin care of= medicare!

Welfare takes care of the young!

Go spend some time at your local emergency room and watch what happens!

[Cassie 8]

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

OK, Steve, I know you are posting this because of the prescription drug side of it (Or I assume b/c of the post title) but the above caught my attention. Do we slaughter horses for human consumption in theis country? Oh. My. Gawd.

And actually, I can see both sides of the prescription drug issue. Prescription drug prices are insane in this country (as is health care...but that's a whole new ball o wax) but at the same time, you don't want to allow for a tidal wave of counterfeiting either...especially when the people who would be most affected are the ones we really need to protect...the very old and the very young. Interesting post though. I'm interested to see how it turns out.

The very old are takin care of= medicare!

Welfare takes care of the young!

Go spend some time at your local emergency room and watch what happens!

Speaking as someone who has working in home health care, I can confidently say that statement is a crock.

[jundp 191]

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

OK, Steve, I know you are posting this because of the prescription drug side of it (Or I assume b/c of the post title) but the above caught my attention. Do we slaughter horses for human consumption in theis country? Oh. My. Gawd.

And actually, I can see both sides of the prescription drug issue. Prescription drug prices are insane in this country (as is health care...but that's a whole new ball o wax) but at the same time, you don't want to allow for a tidal wave of counterfeiting either...especially when the people who would be most affected are the ones we really need to protect...the very old and the very young. Interesting post though. I'm interested to see how it turns out.

The very old are takin care of= medicare!

Welfare takes care of the young!

Go spend some time at your local emergency room and watch what happens!

Well, hmm...my granny wasn't "taken care of" by Medicare, but rather by family funds, and round the clock in-home nursing.

And I don't personally know anyone who has young children who are on Welfare. I do know someone who's daughter is 11 and dying of neuroblastoma cancer. He works, as does his wife, and their insurance does not cover their daughter's medicine. Nor does Welfare. Or Medicaid.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

OK, Steve, I know you are posting this because of the prescription drug side of it (Or I assume b/c of the post title) but the above caught my attention. Do we slaughter horses for human consumption in theis country? Oh. My. Gawd.

And actually, I can see both sides of the prescription drug issue. Prescription drug prices are insane in this country (as is health care...but that's a whole new ball o wax) but at the same time, you don't want to allow for a tidal wave of counterfeiting either...especially when the people who would be most affected are the ones we really need to protect...the very old and the very young. Interesting post though. I'm interested to see how it turns out.

The very old are takin care of= medicare!

Welfare takes care of the young!

Go spend some time at your local emergency room and watch what happens!

Speaking as someone who has working in home health care, I can confidently say that statement is a crock.

So ,what is your answer to this problem? You gonna spend my money to solve it? Remember nothin comes for free.

[Cassie 8]

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

OK, Steve, I know you are posting this because of the prescription drug side of it (Or I assume b/c of the post title) but the above caught my attention. Do we slaughter horses for human consumption in theis country? Oh. My. Gawd.

And actually, I can see both sides of the prescription drug issue. Prescription drug prices are insane in this country (as is health care...but that's a whole new ball o wax) but at the same time, you don't want to allow for a tidal wave of counterfeiting either...especially when the people who would be most affected are the ones we really need to protect...the very old and the very young. Interesting post though. I'm interested to see how it turns out.

The very old are takin care of= medicare!

Welfare takes care of the young!

Go spend some time at your local emergency room and watch what happens!

Speaking as someone who has working in home health care, I can confidently say that statement is a crock.

So ,what is your answer to this problem? You gonna spend my money to solve it? Remember nothin comes for free.

Cut out 99% of the hoops and red tape so that people who really and truly need the care and medicines get them in a timely and efficient manner. And get rid of the head-firmly-wedged-up-the-butt-attitude that the US has the best health care system in the world and start demanding a tighter rein on pharmaceutical and insurance companies who are costing you more than you know.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

OK, Steve, I know you are posting this because of the prescription drug side of it (Or I assume b/c of the post title) but the above caught my attention. Do we slaughter horses for human consumption in theis country? Oh. My. Gawd.

And actually, I can see both sides of the prescription drug issue. Prescription drug prices are insane in this country (as is health care...but that's a whole new ball o wax) but at the same time, you don't want to allow for a tidal wave of counterfeiting either...especially when the people who would be most affected are the ones we really need to protect...the very old and the very young. Interesting post though. I'm interested to see how it turns out.

The very old are takin care of= medicare!

Welfare takes care of the young!

Go spend some time at your local emergency room and watch what happens!

Speaking as someone who has working in home health care, I can confidently say that statement is a crock.

So ,what is your answer to this problem? You gonna spend my money to solve it? Remember nothin comes for free.

Cut out 99% of the hoops and red tape so that people who really and truly need the care and medicines get them in a timely and efficient manner. And get rid of the head-firmly-wedged-up-the-butt-attitude that the US has the best health care system in the world and start demanding a tighter rein on pharmaceutical and insurance companies who are costing you more than you know.

Im sure the government will deliver heathcare in a timely manner! To be dependent on someone is foolish and you know it!

[Cassie 8]

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

OK, Steve, I know you are posting this because of the prescription drug side of it (Or I assume b/c of the post title) but the above caught my attention. Do we slaughter horses for human consumption in theis country? Oh. My. Gawd.

And actually, I can see both sides of the prescription drug issue. Prescription drug prices are insane in this country (as is health care...but that's a whole new ball o wax) but at the same time, you don't want to allow for a tidal wave of counterfeiting either...especially when the people who would be most affected are the ones we really need to protect...the very old and the very young. Interesting post though. I'm interested to see how it turns out.

The very old are takin care of= medicare!

Welfare takes care of the young!

Go spend some time at your local emergency room and watch what happens!

Speaking as someone who has working in home health care, I can confidently say that statement is a crock.

So ,what is your answer to this problem? You gonna spend my money to solve it? Remember nothin comes for free.

Cut out 99% of the hoops and red tape so that people who really and truly need the care and medicines get them in a timely and efficient manner. And get rid of the head-firmly-wedged-up-the-butt-attitude that the US has the best health care system in the world and start demanding a tighter rein on pharmaceutical and insurance companies who are costing you more than you know.

Im sure the government will deliver heathcare in a timely manner! To be dependent on someone is foolish and you know it!

They don't, and that's the problem. There are lots of examples of seniors who are on a fixed income and on Medicare/Medicaid and can't afford their life-saving medicines. We had to deal with that all the time. People shouldn't have to worry about that kind of stuff. And if you are naive enough to think that your health insurance company has got your back, well then!

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

OK, Steve, I know you are posting this because of the prescription drug side of it (Or I assume b/c of the post title) but the above caught my attention. Do we slaughter horses for human consumption in theis country? Oh. My. Gawd.

And actually, I can see both sides of the prescription drug issue. Prescription drug prices are insane in this country (as is health care...but that's a whole new ball o wax) but at the same time, you don't want to allow for a tidal wave of counterfeiting either...especially when the people who would be most affected are the ones we really need to protect...the very old and the very young. Interesting post though. I'm interested to see how it turns out.

The very old are takin care of= medicare!

Welfare takes care of the young!

Go spend some time at your local emergency room and watch what happens!

Speaking as someone who has working in home health care, I can confidently say that statement is a crock.

So ,what is your answer to this problem? You gonna spend my money to solve it? Remember nothin comes for free.

Cut out 99% of the hoops and red tape so that people who really and truly need the care and medicines get them in a timely and efficient manner. And get rid of the head-firmly-wedged-up-the-butt-attitude that the US has the best health care system in the world and start demanding a tighter rein on pharmaceutical and insurance companies who are costing you more than you know.

Im sure the government will deliver heathcare in a timely manner! To be dependent on someone is foolish and you know it!

They don't, and that's the problem. There are lots of examples of seniors who are on a fixed income and on Medicare/Medicaid and can't afford their life-saving medicines. We had to deal with that all the time. People shouldn't have to worry about that kind of stuff. And if you are naive enough to think that your health insurance company has got your back, well then!

Give me leave Sir to remark the duty I owe to my fellow creatures and as a true patriot to my country to remind you at the certain calamity that must befall us if the Militia are thus continued to be cawled [called] from their families. If they are cawled [called] one month or six weeks from their farms they can put no spring grain in the ground and the consequence will be that their families must inevitably suffer the famine even threatens before the ensuing harvest when there is but little sown that can be rept [reaped] if the farmers are prevented from putting in spring grain the famine will undoubted be dreadful.”

Your whinin is amazing!

The extracts below from a poster printed in 1817 show the pensions payable to minors left orphans by the war, war widows and militiamen disabled on active service. Of particular interest here is the predominance of disease over battle wounds as causes of death. Overall 171 men serving in the militia were listed on this document as having died on service during the war. Of these 137 died of various diseases contracted while on duty; 25 were killed in action; and 9 from wounds received in battle or through an accident while on duty. Unsanitary conditions and poor food were major contributors to the death toll.

Yeah? Look up ! Your complaints mean nothin to me! Live their life, then come a bitchin!

If your not familiar with history maybe you should get closer to it! Your impressions are false. Nothin is free.

[Dan J 277]

The measure also seeks to block the practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption by making it illegal to transport or export horse for that purpose. The House last year passed a bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption, but the Senate failed to act.

OK, Steve, I know you are posting this because of the prescription drug side of it (Or I assume b/c of the post title) but the above caught my attention. Do we slaughter horses for human consumption in theis country? Oh. My. Gawd.

And actually, I can see both sides of the prescription drug issue. Prescription drug prices are insane in this country (as is health care...but that's a whole new ball o wax) but at the same time, you don't want to allow for a tidal wave of counterfeiting either...especially when the people who would be most affected are the ones we really need to protect...the very old and the very young. Interesting post though. I'm interested to see how it turns out.

The very old are takin care of= medicare!

Welfare takes care of the young!

Go spend some time at your local emergency room and watch what happens!

Speaking as someone who has working in home health care, I can confidently say that statement is a crock.

So ,what is your answer to this problem? You gonna spend my money to solve it? Remember nothin comes for free.

Cut out 99% of the hoops and red tape so that people who really and truly need the care and medicines get them in a timely and efficient manner. And get rid of the head-firmly-wedged-up-the-butt-attitude that the US has the best health care system in the world and start demanding a tighter rein on pharmaceutical and insurance companies who are costing you more than you know.

Im sure the government will deliver heathcare in a timely manner! To be dependent on someone is foolish and you know it!

You do realize that we in the US pay 50-100% more for health care right? But as far as quality of care provided in the US, we are behind most developed countries. What part of that makes sense to you? In America you can get health care when you want it, but it will be expensive and may not even be the best quality. Like buying an average American made car, for twice as much as a luxury import.

[Dan J 277]

This is a little bit old, but it shows a pretty good picture of how the US compares to the rest of the world in health care. Not surprisingly we rank number 1 in percentage of GDP spent on health care and level of responsiveness. But we rank poorly on everything else that matters, such as quality and distribution of care.

http://www.who.int/whr/2000/en/whr00_annex_en.pdf

The chart shows the US spends about 13.7% of our GDP on health care, that number has increased to about 16% in 2006. Japan which provides the best health care in the world, and is not far behind us in responsiveness, spends about half of what we do.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The joke is that depending on your insurance coverage you can pay vastly differing amounts of money for your prescription drugs. That is scandalous IMO - just as its scandalous the way the government thus far has consistently ruled against the consumer by making it illegal for them to buy their drugs cheaper from the Canadian system. Given that some of the drugs are researched and developed in Europe it seems hard to justify how once they reach the US market they are subject to a several-fold price increase.

Edited August 3, 2007 by Number 6

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The joke is that depending on your insurance coverage you can pay vastly differing amounts of money for your prescription drugs. That is scandalous IMO - just as its scandalous the way the government thus far has consistently ruled against the consumer by making it illegal for them to buy their drugs cheaper from the Canadian system. Given that some of the drugs are researched and developed in Europe it seems hard to justify how once they reach the US market they are subject to a several-fold price increase.

Exactly.