Washington — Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., used a recent Senate discussion on onshore pharmaceutical manufacturing to raise concerns about the nation’s dependence on foreign suppliers for key drug ingredients, warning that continued reliance on countries like China and India could put Americans at risk.
During the exchange, Tuberville referenced testimony from an Alabama witness and asked what steps could be taken to encourage pharmaceutical companies to source active pharmaceutical ingredients, or APIs, domestically instead of overseas.
“Last November, we had a young man that came from my state in Birmingham, Oxford Pharmaceuticals, to testify the importance of onshore drug manufacturing,” Tuberville said. “Mr. Chang, what can we do to encourage pharmaceutical companies to acquire APIs domestically instead of sourcing them from places like China or India? Is that possible?”
Chang said increasing American-made pharmaceutical purchasing would be a key starting point.
“It is possible, but the first thing I think we need to do is get the federal government to require the purchase of American made pharmaceuticals or pharmaceuticals that are friend-shored if they’re not available in the U.S.,” Chang said. “But it’s an all of the above approach. Because as I mentioned, China is able to get around all of our rules because they know that if they cut off production, then as Rosemarie Gibson just told us, Americans are gonna die. So, it’s an all above the approach on an emergency basis. I know that’s not a satisfactory answer, but unfortunately, I think it’s close to where we have to be. And if we don’t do this, the problems are just gonna get worse because China’s becoming more predatory.”
Tuberville then turned to former Congressman Ted Yoho, asking what could happen if the U.S. does not gain more control over its pharmaceutical supply chain.
“Congressman, you served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. You understand the risk. What is at stake if we do not gain control of what’s going on here?” Tuberville asked.
“National security,” Yoho responded. “I mean, we’d be beholden to another country, i.e. China. This is something it’s imperative that we get this right. We get it done now. The Defense Production Act as President Trump used in his first term to create those products here. You know, the PPEs is something we could do now. And the other thing is, the ABCs of manufacturing: Anywhere But China. Friend-shore, near-shore, onshore. Use the tools we have to bring that stuff home now. We know where China is going. We know what their end intent is, and we need to do it now.”
Tuberville also asked about the proposed Clear Labels Act and whether it would help consumers better understand what is in their medications.
“Yeah, this Clear Labels Act that the Chairman of putting exactly what is in the drugs that we take. How important is that?” Tuberville asked.
Yoho said he supports the idea but also called for stronger oversight from federal regulators.
“It’s real important. I like it. […] but for it to be effective, people have to read it,” Yoho said. “And we tried that on the [House] Ag Committee with the COOL Amendment. I think legislation like that is strong, and I think we need to do it. But I think we need to put more force on the FDA to regulate drugs or inspect them the same way they do here and tell those countries you’re gonna do it our way or don’t sell here. It’s your choice.”
Tuberville represents Ala. in the U.S. Senate and serves on the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
