[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 164 (Thursday, October 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1297-E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PHARMACEUTICAL INDEPENDENCE LONG-TERM READINESS REFORM ACT OF 2019

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                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 17, 2019

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Pharmaceutical 
Independence Long-Term Readiness Reform Act.'' I want to thank 
Congresswoman Hartzler for her support as an original cosponsor.
  Our legislation would require the Department of Defense to acquire 
and purchase only American-made raw materials, medicines, and vaccines 
for our military. It would also require the Department of Defense to 
identify the national security vulnerabilities caused by our country's 
current dependence on Chinese pharmaceuticals.
  As a result of the Chinese government's chokehold on the generic 
pharmaceutical market, our military servicemembers have been left 
vulnerable. China is a principal creator of generic prescriptions, 
which account for approximately 90 percent of the global pharmaceutical 
market.
  The reality is that if the Chinese wanted to cripple the United 
States they could sabotage or cut off our supply of generic medications 
and antibiotics used by our military. This simply is a vulnerability 
that we cannot let continue to exist. We need to reinvigorate the

[[Page E1298]]

United States' industrial base to produce generic medicines and 
antibiotics domestically, ensuring the readiness of our military 
forces.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join us in cosponsoring the 
``Pharmaceutical Independence Long-Term Readiness Reform Act.''

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