Greg Blankenship of the Illinois Policy Institute and publisher of A New Can of Worms leaves the following in comments.
The pharmaceuticals have seen the writing on the wall in DC. As I hear things, they will simply seek language that insures they won’t be held liable (I spoke to a trusted friend who attended a briefing recently).
Look for that to be a sticking point. ATLA won’t stand for it and democrats may be smoked out. Afterall, if the imported drugs are safe the liability language shouldn’t be that big of a deal…
Also look for the FDA to offer Congress absolutely no cover on the issue. In the past, Congress has given the FDA the right to declare drugs safe and allow importation. Since FDA can’t guaranttee the supply chain’s safety and they won’t be left holding the bag for massive government pay outs, Congress will have to force the issue. That means — don’t hold your breath — Congress will have to step up and take responsibility and accountability. That’ll be fun to watch.
Thanks to Greg for what sounds like a fast evolving issue–the President is considering, ummm…dare I say evolving his position.
“the President is considering, ummm…dare I say evolving his position.”
None dare call it ‘flip-flop.’
Greg’s astute insights aside, the President’s position has not evolved. It’s just been repackaged as a New! Improved! bottle of snake oil.