SAMS Urges Congress and Administration to Address Drug Shortage Crisis in Must Pass Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA)

WASHINGTON D.C., July 10, 2023 — Securing America’s Medicines and Supply (SAMS) is concerned that both the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee draft and the House Energy and Commerce Committee draft of the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) fail to address the critical drug shortage crisis. Providers across the country continue to ration drugs, putting patients—particularly those with cancer—at incredible risk.

“Patients with cancer are unable to get access to life-saving medicines. Whether it be critical oncology drugs or commonly prescribed medications, drug shortages represent a clear and present public health threat to the United States and it’s time for the Administration and Congress to act,” said David Sanders, Executive Director of SAMS.

SAMS previously commented and highlighted the correlation between continuous drug shortages and America’s over reliance on foreign suppliers and manufacturers. 

“It’s time for a ‘CHIPS’-style legislation for the American medicine supply chain. The COVID pandemic showed us that the American healthcare system needs it, and patients deserve it,” Sanders said. 

SAMS looks forward to working with the Senate HELP Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee to advance PAHPA reauthorization and to address the drug shortage crisis gripping the nation. 

About Securing America’s Medicines and Supply

Securing America’s Medicines and Supply (SAMS) is a multi-industry coalition of companies with the mission to strengthen the security of the medical supply chain in the United States. SAMS seeks to drive the implementation of legislation and regulation to reward and foster U.S.-made manufacturing of important pharmaceutical products, devices, and supplies. SAMS supports U.S. patients, domestic healthcare security, and U.S. jobs.