House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19) has introduced the USTRx Act, a bill that would establish a Chief Pharmaceutical Trade Negotiator within the Office of the United States Trade Representative. The negotiator’s role would be to identify foreign price controls on drugs developed in the United States that contribute to higher costs for American patients. The official would also issue an annual report detailing these practices and suggest potential remedies.
Arrington stated, “American innovation spurs medical breakthroughs that have improved care and saved lives around the world, but for far too long, foreign countries have gotten a free ride by imposing price controls on U.S. companies’ state-of-the-art treatments for their own citizens while increasing costs for patients here. Enough is enough. My USTRx Act will expose this harmful practice, hold these countries accountable, and ensure that hardworking Americans have access to the affordable, life-saving medicines they need.”
The legislation is cosponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), who said, “American patients are paying more for life-saving medicines because foreign countries are free-riding on U.S. investment and innovation. This is not only unfair, it’s unsustainable. I’m proud to join Chairman Arrington in introducing the USTRx Act to hold foreign governments accountable, stop price-setting practices that hurt American families and ensure those in need continue to have access to affordable, life-saving medicines. The United States must remain a global leader in medical innovation, but not at the expense of hardworking Americans.”
Douglas Petersen of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) added support for the proposal: “Americans are paying more than they should at the pharmacy because other countries aren’t paying their fair share for innovative medicines. Appointing a Chief Pharmaceutical Trade Negotiator will help the administration achieve its goal to secure a better deal for American patients and workers. We appreciate the commitment of Congress and USTR to challenge unfair foreign practices and negotiate and enforce trade agreements that value America’s biopharmaceutical innovation and manufacturers.”
John F. Crowley, President and CEO of Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), commented on broader implications: “A strong biopharmaceutical industry is critical to America’s long-term economic success and to our national security,” said Crowley.“This legislation would help ensure that U.S. companies, entrepreneurs and investors are able to compete and thrive in the global marketplace by making certain that other countries are not gaming the system or distorting the market for innovative medicines. We applaud the sponsors for introducing this important legislation.”
Arrington has won several recent elections with significant margins against his opponents: In 2024 he defeated Nathan Lewis with over 80% of the vote; similar results were recorded in previous cycles including 2022 against Nathan Lewis again, 2020 against Tom Watson, 2018 against Miguel Levario, and 2016 against Troy Bonar.
