S.2062 - Rolling Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient and Drug Reserve Act; RAPID Reserve Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.2062, the RAPID Reserve Act, aims to bolster the supply chain resilience of critical drugs by establishing and maintaining reserves of both the drugs themselves and their active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This is intended to prevent supply disruptions during drug shortages or public health emergencies. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award contracts or cooperative agreements to eligible entities for maintaining these reserves.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased domestic manufacturing and storage of critical drugs and APIs. It also mandates the development of guidance on identifying vulnerable supply chains and eligibility criteria for participating entities. Ultimately, this should result in a more secure and stable supply of essential medications, especially during times of crisis.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Drug Availability: Ensures a more reliable supply of critical drugs during shortages or emergencies.
- Strengthened Domestic Manufacturing: Prioritizes domestic manufacturers, boosting the US pharmaceutical industry.
- Enhanced Public Health Preparedness: Increases the nation's ability to respond to public health crises.
- Reduced Reliance on Foreign Sources: Decreases dependence on potentially unreliable international supply chains.
- Economic Benefits: Creates jobs and stimulates economic activity in the pharmaceutical sector.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs: Establishing and maintaining drug reserves can be expensive, potentially leading to higher healthcare costs.
- Potential for Waste: Stored drugs may expire before use, resulting in wasted resources.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses on specific 'eligible drugs,' potentially neglecting other important medications.
- Bureaucratic Challenges: Implementing the program and managing contracts could face bureaucratic hurdles.
- Market Distortion: Government intervention in the drug market could unintentionally distort competition.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Specifically, it aims to "promote the general Welfare" by ensuring access to essential medications. Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) provides a basis for regulating the pharmaceutical supply chain.
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).