Ernst, Peters Examine U.S. Reliance on China for Pharmaceuticals

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Gary Peters (D-Michigan) introduced the Pharmaceutical Risk Assessment and Mitigation Act to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to expand its assessment of its reliance on China and other hostile foreign countries for key ingredients in drug supply chains. The bipartisan legislation will mandate an interagency risk assessment to identify weak points and ensure Americans will not be reliant on adversaries for lifesaving medicine.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, nearly 80 percent of the facilities that produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) – the key ingredients that give a drug its intended effect – are located outside of the United States.

“China’s stranglehold on critical pharmaceutical ingredients the U.S. depends on poses a national security threat,” said Ernst.“Through the Pharmaceutical Risk Assessment and Mitigation Act, I am working to strengthen the supply chain and reduce our reliance on our adversary. By taking action now, we can protect the health of our citizens in the future.” 

“Understanding our reliance on high-risk foreign nations for critical drugs and their key ingredients is crucial to protecting our national and health security,” said Peters. “My bipartisan legislation ensures the Department of Defense will continue to rigorously assess its pharmaceutical supply chains to pinpoint vulnerabilities that could lead to supply chain disruptions and drug shortages. With this information, we can take more informed steps toward mitigating these risks and ensuring a stable supply of critical medications for our servicemembers and people across the country.” 

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