Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act
Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act
Plain Language Summary
# Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act would give the President expanded authority to negotiate special trade agreements with other countries focused on medical products—including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and their components. Under this bill, the President could reduce or eliminate tariffs (import taxes) and other trade barriers on these medical goods with countries deemed "trusted trade partners," as long as the President determines this would benefit U.S. national security and public health. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact the medical industry, patients who rely on medicines and medical devices, and U.S. trading partners. By potentially lowering costs of imported medical supplies, it could affect patients' access to affordable medications and devices.
It could also reshape relationships with countries that supply medical goods to the United States. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill aims to address vulnerabilities in the U.S. medical supply chain by encouraging trade with reliable international partners rather than relying on a limited number of suppliers.
CRS Official Summary
Medical Supply Chain Resiliency ActThis bill authorizes actions to facilitate trade in medical goods (i.e., medical devices, pharmaceutical goods, or inputs for such devices or goods).Specifically, the bill authorizes the President to (1) negotiate, enter into, and enforce a trusted trade partner agreement with a country or countries with respect to medical goods; and (2) proclaim a modification of any existing duty, a continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or additional duties to carry out the trade agreement. These actions may only be taken if the President determines, based on specified considerations, that the reciprocal elimination of existing duties or other import restrictions with respect to medical goods would contribute to U.S. national security and public health. A trusted trade partner agreement may include certain provisions, such as those to (1) reduce or eliminate duties, quotas, or other trade barriers; (2) diversify and expand supplier networks to secure a reliable supply of medical goods; and (3) harmonize regulatory procedures.Not later than 60 days before initiating negotiations with a trusted trade partner, the President must submit written notice to Congress. The bill requires congressional consultation and review of these trade agreements. A trade agreement shall not take effect if, during the required review period, Congress enacts a joint resolution of disapproval.The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative must monitor compliance by a trusted trade partner with the trade agreement's commitments and obligations. Further, the President may take certain actions in response to a failure to comply.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.