Sooner or later, the Senate will consider the controversial issue of prescription drug importation. Today, Senator McCain (R–AZ) called up an amendment to prohibit the use of any Department of Justice funds to investigate or enforce Federal laws related to the importation of prescription drugs. He later withdrew the amendment.

We also understand that Sen. Dorgan (D–ND) will present language during the health care reform debate (which could begin as soon as next week) to establish new authority (and a new bureaucracy) favoring importation.

APhA has long opposed importation and is making our concerns known about how importation can negatively impact the safety of the U.S. supply chain and the ability of pharmacists to care for their patients. We encourage you to do the same. Members can log in to pharmacist.com to use APhA’s Legislative Action Center to contact their Senators.