[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES EXPORT REFORM ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH R. PITTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 21, 2004

  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing The Controlled 
Substances Export Reform Act, legislation to create and maintain U.S. 
jobs by reforming our Nation's outdated pharmaceutical export control 
laws.
  Current law allows U.S. companies to export most controlled 
substances only to the immediate country where the products will be 
consumed. Shipment to central sites for further distribution across 
national boundaries is prohibited.
  Mr. Speaker, foreign competitors labor under no such restrictions and 
can readily move approved medical products between international drug 
control treaty countries without limit or restriction. The exclusive 
prohibitions imposed by U.S. law on American manufacturers place them 
at significant disadvantage in international markets, creating powerful 
incentives for domestic companies to move production overseas, damaging 
local economies and costing U.S. jobs.
  The legislation I have introduced today, along with a bipartisan 
group of my colleagues, authorizes the Attorney General to permit 
carefully regulated pharmaceutical exports to our international drug 
convention partner countries.
  The bill retains full Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) authority 
over all shipments of controlled substances and establishes strict 
procedures to ensure these products are used solely for legitimate 
medical purposes. While the DEA's authority over exports is 
undiminished, by creating new parity for U.S. companies with their 
international competitors, the legislation encourages domestic 
production and job growth.
  The Controlled Substances Export Reform Act supports American jobs 
and protects U.S. interests. I look forward to working with my 
colleagues to enact this important legislation.

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