Linda Sánchez Safe Medication Legislation Becomes Law (July 25, 2012)

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39)today applauded President Obama for signing "The Food and Drug AdministrationSafety and Innovation Act" into law. Included in this criticallegislation are all of the provisions from the "Counterfeit Drug PenaltyEnhancement Act of 2011" introduced by Congresswoman Sánchez and CongressmanPat Meehan (R-PA), which will crack down on counterfeit drug trafficking.

"The American people should never have to worry whetherthe medications they take are safe, andI commend President Obamafor signing this important legislation into law," said CongresswomanSánchez. "I am proud the legislation Congressman Meehan and I introduced toincrease penalties for trafficking counterfeit drugs became part of the Foodand Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. We have to doeverything we can to protect seniors, children, and everyone who is vulnerableto counterfeit drugs. As a parent, I want peace of mind that themedications my family takes are safe and authentic."

Background

In November 2011, Congresswoman Sánchez and CongressmanMeehan introduced "The Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011," (H.R.3668) which would increase penalties for the trafficking of counterfeit drugsto reflect the severity of the crime and the harm to the public. In June2012, the House of Representatives unanimously passed The Counterfeit DrugPenalty Enhancement Act.

After House passage, H.R. 3668 was incorporated in "The Foodand Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act" (S. 3187), which passed theSenate on June 26, 2012. President Obama then signed S. 3187 into law inJuly.

Reports show that counterfeit drugs result in 100,000fatalities worldwide each year, and account for an estimated $75 billion inannual 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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