ICYMI: Shaheen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Import Lower-Cost Prescription Drugs from Canada

(Washington, DC) – Last week, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) helped introduce the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act, led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which would allow Americans to safely import prescription drugs from Canada, lowering costs, increasing access for consumers and creating more competition in the pharmaceutical market. 

“I’ve heard from far too many Granite Staters that are forced to ration life-saving medications because they’re too expensive. It’s unacceptable—high prices should never be a barrier to getting the health care you or your family needs,” said Senator Shaheen. “Americans pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs and allowing those same drugs to be imported at lower prices from pharmacies in Canada is a no-brainer that will increase competition and help lower costs. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan effort.” 

In addition to Shaheen, Klobuchar and Grassley, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). 

Shaheen has spearheaded efforts to combat rising drug prices and make essential medications more affordable, including by supporting key provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act that provide Medicare the ability to directly negotiate the prices of certain high-cost drugs with pharmaceutical manufacturers. As co-chair of the bipartisan U.S. Senate Diabetes Caucus, Shaheen has consistently pressed to hold insulin manufacturers, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers accountable for the skyrocketing cost of life-saving insulin. Her bipartisan legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the INSULIN Act, which would comprehensively address the skyrocketing costs of insulin and remove barriers to care making it more accessible to millions of Americans. 

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