Clermont Times

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brad Wenstrup has unveiled a discussion draft of legislation aimed at promoting a stronger domestic manufacturing sector for critical battlefield medicines and devices in the United States. The bill seeks to address the concerning issue of reliance on foreign countries, particularly China, for the production of essential medical supplies.

In a statement, Congressman Wenstrup expressed his concerns about the current state of affairs, stating, "Many of the name brand and generic medications millions of Americans rely on every day are being manufactured in China, or are sourced with materials from China. If you had told me when I was a surgeon serving in Iraq that the personal protective equipment I relied on to protect me, and the medications needed to serve our troops, had depended on China, I would have asked, 'How did we allow ourselves to get here as a country, especially our military?'"

The proposed legislation aims to incentivize domestic manufacturing by implementing several measures. Firstly, it seeks to lower the tax rate on income derived from the domestic manufacturing and sales of essential drugs, biologics, medical devices, countermeasures, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. This move is intended to encourage companies to produce these critical health products within the United States.

Additionally, the draft legislation includes a provision for an investment tax credit for new investments in advanced manufacturing equipment or machinery used in the U.S. for the production of vital health products. This tax credit is aimed at facilitating the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, enabling domestic manufacturers to maintain high standards of quality and efficiency.

Furthermore, the proposed bill offers a credit for equipment needed to comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. This provision recognizes the need for manufacturers to meet stringent environmental standards while remaining competitive with Chinese counterparts. By providing this credit, the legislation seeks to ensure that domestic manufacturers can align with environmental regulations without compromising their cost competitiveness.

It is important to note that these tax credits and incentives are exclusively available for investments in the production of essential medicines or devices, as defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Defense (DOD).

Congressman Wenstrup's draft legislation serves as a significant step toward reducing America's reliance on foreign countries for critical medical supplies. By incentivizing domestic manufacturing and promoting investments in advanced equipment, the bill aims to enhance the nation's health security and minimize vulnerabilities in the event of future crises.

As the discussion draft enters the legislative process, it adds to the ongoing conversation surrounding the importance of securing domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependence on China for essential medical supplies. Congressman Wenstrup's proposed measures seek to address the concerns raised by his own experiences as a surgeon serving in Iraq and highlight the need for urgent action in safeguarding the nation's health security.

Overall, the release of this draft legislation signifies a commitment to prioritizing the manufacturing of vital medical items domestically, ensuring that the health and well-being of American citizens, particularly those serving in the military, are not compromised by reliance on foreign sources.