NAM: Support a Diverse, Resilient Health Care Supply Chain
The U.S. needs a strong, reliable and diverse health care supply chain, the NAM told the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Wednesday ahead of a hearing.
What’s going on: National emergencies and natural disasters have proven the necessity of a diverse and resilient health care supply chain to ensure Americans have a stable supply of lifesaving medicines.
Why it’s important: “Global, resilient supply chains were essential during the pandemic and in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to help fill gaps and minimize supply shortages or temporary disruptions,” NAM Managing Vice President of Policy Charles Crain said.
- Manufacturers are committed to onshoring pharmaceuticals manufacturing, he continued, adding that most medications taken by those in the U.S. are made in the country.
- However, some pharmaceutical ingredients cannot be sourced domestically, or cannot be obtained in sufficient quantities here, making “[i]mported inputs … vital to U.S. pharmaceutical production,” Crain continued.
Subcommittee’s take: Chairman Buddy Carter (R-GA) stressed the importance of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, “which incentivizes domestic medical supply production,” as well as the elimination of “ burdensome regulatory barriers” in his opening statement.
- He also emphasized the need to “streamline processes that impede our competitiveness on the global stage and establish the proper incentives to ensure we are creating the environment to allow innovation to flourish.”
What’s next: The NAM encourages swift passage of the OBBBA by the Senate to support biopharmaceutical manufacturers.
- The NAM also recommends the House Energy and Commerce Committee mark up the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act, a bill that would “authorize the president to enter into trade agreements with allies and partners to remove barriers and duties with respect to medical goods, which would contribute to national security, public health and supply chain resiliency,” NAM Managing Vice President of Policy Charles Crain said.