Congress Passes Linda Sánchez Safe Medication Legislation (June 18, 2012)

Washington, DC—Today, the House of Representativesunanimously passed the "Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011" (H.R.3668), which Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39) introduced with CongressmanPat Meehan (R-PA). H.R. 3668 will help law enforcement crack down oncounterfeit medications and increase penalties for counterfeit drugtrafficking.

"The American people deserve to know the medications theytake are safe and effective, and this legislation will give them that peace ofmind" said Congresswoman Sánchez. "I applaud Congress forunanimously passing this necessary and bipartisan legislation that mycolleague, Congressman Pat Meehan, and I introduced. As a parent, I neverwant to worry about any medicine I give my son. I urge the Senate to passthis bill, which will hold counterfeit drug enterprises accountable for puttingthe public health at risk."

The "Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011" nowgoes to the United States Senate for a vote.

Background

The Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011 willincrease penalties for the trafficking of counterfeit drugs to reflect theseverity of the crime and the harm to the public. While it is currentlyillegal to introduce counterfeit drugs into interstate commerce, the penaltiesare no different than those for the trafficking of other products, such aselectronics or clothing. The Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Actwill target criminals who knowingly manufacture, sell or traffic counterfeitmedicines to the United States.

It has been reported that counterfeit drugs result in100,000 fatalities globally each year, and account for an estimated $75 billionin annual revenue for criminal enterprises.

Click here to see aclip of Congresswoman Sánchez speaking before the House Judiciary Committeeabout the "Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act."

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