[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 99 (Thursday, June 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




STRENGTHENING AND FOCUSING ENFORCEMENT TO DETER ORGANIZED STEALING AND 
                       ENHANCE SAFETY ACT OF 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2012

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speakers, I rise in support 
of H.R. 4223, the Safe Doses Act. I am proud to join my colleagues on 
both sides of the aisle in supporting this important legislation.
  H.R. 4223 addresses a difficult issue in the pharmaceutical supply 
chain: the theft of medical products. While this body last week passed 
important legislation to protect consumers from counterfeit drugs, 
there remains a real risk from stolen medical goods.
  This is a not a hypothetical exercise, it is a real problem. Criminal 
organizations who steal medical products are not concerned with storing 
these materials properly, or ensuring that they are only sold with a 
doctor's prescription.
  Let me give one brief, but telling example: In 2009, 128,000 vials of 
insulin were stolen in North Carolina. Beyond the $11 million monetary 
cost of this theft, there was a human cost as well.
  These vials were reintroduced into the supply chain after being 
improperly stored. The vials found their way to pharmacies in 17 
different states, and at least two individuals suffered potentially 
fatal blood sugar levels before the FDA was able to alert the public to 
this danger.
  H.R. 4223 is a simple and sensible way to give law enforcement and 
prosecutors a stronger set of tools to go after criminal organizations 
that are brazenly stealing vital medication and devices. I further note 
that, beyond the bipartisan support this measure has received, the Safe 
Doses Act passed both the House Judiciary and Senate Judiciary 
Committees unanimously.
  I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, clean 
up the pharmaceutical supply chain, and protect their constituents.

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