Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has joined forces with three Senate colleagues to reintroduce the Short on Competition Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to increase competition in the pharmaceutical industry and reduce consumer costs for prescription drugs. The bill is led by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), with sponsorship from Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). Grassley, who currently chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, has been a long-time advocate for reducing prescription drug prices.

The proposed legislation would empower the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expedite reviews, inspections, and temporary importation of drugs during shortages or when there are fewer than five competitors in a market for drugs approved for at least ten years.

"Iowans are fed up with the high price of prescription drugs," Grassley stated. "Our bill will bring more options to the market, giving consumers relief through alternatives to a single high-priced drug."

Senator Klobuchar emphasized that increased competition could deter companies from raising prices: "More competition in the marketplace will lead to more affordable prescription drugs for American consumers."

Senator Lee added that reducing regulatory barriers could allow new competitors into the healthcare market: "The Short on Competition Act will give Americans more options for the medicine they need."

Senator Durbin criticized Big Pharma's pricing tactics: "It is time that Big Pharma is held accountable for its abusive price gouging tactics."

Grassley's history of efforts includes several legislative actions aimed at combating anticompetitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry. These efforts have included congressional investigations and hearings focused on Pharmacy Benefit Managers' roles in drug pricing.