H.R.2213 - Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2213, the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act, aims to authorize the President to enter into trade agreements with countries to eliminate import restrictions on medical goods. The goal is to enhance national security and public health by diversifying the medical supply chain and reducing reliance on potentially unreliable foreign sources.
The bill outlines findings related to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on medical supply chains, emphasizing the need for resilient and diversified trade relationships. It establishes a framework for trusted trade partner agreements, focusing on reciprocal benefits and adherence to specific criteria.
The Act also includes provisions for congressional oversight, requiring the President to consult with Congress and submit reports on the status of negotiations and the potential impact of these agreements.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.2213 would likely lead to the negotiation and implementation of new trade agreements focused on medical goods. This could result in lower costs for certain medical supplies due to reduced or eliminated tariffs.
It could also shift the geographic distribution of medical supply manufacturing, potentially increasing reliance on countries deemed 'trusted trade partners' and decreasing reliance on others. The Act also establishes a framework for monitoring and enforcing compliance with these agreements, allowing for potential suspension or withdrawal if partners fail to meet their obligations.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced supply chain resilience for medical goods, reducing vulnerability to disruptions during emergencies.
- Diversification of supplier networks, ensuring a more reliable supply of critical medical products.
- Potential reduction in costs for medical goods due to the elimination of duties and trade barriers.
- Increased international collaboration in medical research and development.
- Promotion of regulatory cooperation and harmonization, streamlining the cross-border movement of medical goods.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for job losses in domestic industries if manufacturing shifts to trusted trade partner countries.
- Risk of over-reliance on specific trade partners, creating new vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
- Possible erosion of domestic regulatory standards if harmonization leads to the adoption of less stringent requirements.
- Increased dependence on foreign countries for essential medical supplies, which could be problematic during geopolitical instability.
- The act grants significant authority to the President, potentially circumventing Congressional oversight.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. The bill delegates some of this power to the President to negotiate trade agreements, which is a common practice, but retains congressional oversight through reporting requirements and review periods.
However, the broad delegation of authority to the President could raise concerns about the separation of powers. The Constitution vests legislative powers in Congress (Article I, Section 1), and the extent to which Congress can delegate those powers to the executive branch is a subject of ongoing debate.
The bill also aims to 'promote the general Welfare' as stated in the preamble of the US Constitution, by ensuring access to medical goods.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).