President Obama supports re-importation, but the FDA does not

[SpartanDem]

By Sam Youngman and Bob Cusack - 12/09/09 10:26 AM ET

President Barack Obama still supports the re-importation of pharmaceuticals from other countries even though a deal he struck with the drug industry specifically excluded provisions on the controversial measure.


Asked by The Hill on Tuesday if Obama backs the re-importation effort, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said, “Yes. The president said during the campaign that he did. said so in his first budget, assuming that safety concerns … could be addressed. And I think that’s the key.”


Gibbs’s comments could bolster the chances that a bipartisan amendment on drug re-importation will attract the necessary 60 votes. The measure, sponsored by Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), is scheduled to be debated on the floor on Wednesday or Thursday.


The White House and Senate Democrats this summer struck a deal with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) on healthcare reform. The industry pledged to support the movement to reform the nation’s healthcare system and offered to find $80 billion in savings on drugs sold in the U.S.

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/71387-obama-supports-re-importation-but-fda-doesnt

I think this has very good chance of passing watching the debate even Diaper Boy Vitter spoke in favor of it.

[babylonsister]

1. I'm very happy to read this vs. this...

thanks for clearing that up.

Pres Obama opposes Senate drug importation amendment!...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x46127

[Kdillard]

2. Good and I think it has a good chance of passing too. They also addressed the safety concerns

But we shall see.

[rhombus]

3. Great news. Momentum is building for passage

The amendment looks very likely to pass. GOP Sen. Vitter also supports it.

[waterscalm]

4. But will Pres. Obama speak out for it???

[ClarkUSA]

5. Do you work for The Onion or are you just a joker?

:eyes:

[vaberella]

7. What's wrong with you? He spoke publicly about it today.

That's how most of us who listen to the President know that he supports it. Stop spouting crap and get the facts...because currently your actions are screaming stupidity.

[waterscalm]

9. Thanks for the information. I went to work and did not hear

the evening news. You gave me the facts now and I appreciate it.

[vaberella]

10. Denada. Just be on guard when you read something and it's from the Pres.

I say this because more often than not---these people are claiming things without knowing what's going on, on the inside. Or they ignore what they've heard. Before that hit piece came out (I'm calling it that because Obama spoken for the amendment before the piece) and since the piece had no facts that the WH opposed the major except conjecture because they hadn't heard anything and built up drama from that. It's a problem and all the media does it for sensationalism. I'm tired of DUers taking the media as gospel, because they're not. Just be aware of it. And more and more people are making claims with very little information.

[Cha]

6. This needs a kick to counteract the propganda

OP that says "he opposes it".

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x46127

[vaberella]

8. Too many misinformed posters on this board. Thanks SD! The FDA is a corrupt piece of shit. n/t