Shaheen Applauds Administration's Limited Plan to Allow Prescription Drugs to be Imported from Canada

(Washington, DC)—U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after the Trump administration announced a plan to allow certain prescription drugs to be imported from Canada to help address affordability in the United States:

“Granite Staters desperately need relief from skyrocketing prescription drug costs,” said Shaheen. “There is no reason why they should be paying more than our neighbors to the north for the same medications. This plan is a good initial step to help drive down costs. I hope that the administration will make it clear that savings from drug importation need to be passed along to patients, rather than pocketed by pharmacies and distributors. It’s also important that importation restrictions be lifted for biologic drugs, which account for many of the most expensive medications. This is why Congress urgently needs to act on pending legislation to address this issue and as well as many other proposals that would help the middle class afford the medications they need to live and lead productive lives.”  

Senator Shaheen is a sponsor of the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act which allows for the importation of prescription drugs from Canada, including biologic drugs. Senator Shaheen is also a cosponsor of the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2019 introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).