Bill Text: MI HR0196 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership because of its adverse impact on Medicare and Medicaid.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-01-13 - Referred To Committee On Commerce And Trade [HR0196 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-HR0196-Introduced.html
Rep. Roberts offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 196.
A resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership because of its adverse impact on Medicare and Medicaid.
Whereas, The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a free trade agreement between the United States and eleven other Pacific Rim nations. For the nations participating with the United States—Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam—this agreement has been advertised as one that will help foster economic growth through tariff reduction and more open trade of goods and services. However, this trade agreement, as with similar agreements of the past, comes at a great cost to American consumers; and
Whereas, The patent provisions provided in this free trade agreement will lead to higher medical costs everywhere. The 12-year exclusivity patent protection period in the United States for biologics—drugs used to treat cancer and other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis—is generous compared to other nations. The shorter period in this agreement—effectively 8 years—still unreasonably limits access to data and prevents the introduction of cheaper generic medication, blocking access to more affordable medication. Moreover, minor changes in the drug formulas could lead to patent extensions, further delaying the introduction of cheaper generic medication; and
Whereas, The trade agreement could allow foreign corporations or subsidiaries to challenge the Medicare and Medicaid drug pricing program and discount program if the drug pricing in these programs affects their profits. The agreement would allow these entities to seek reimbursement for drugs and devices if reimbursement rates are discriminatory and below market, which the programs do by design. This could cost our government billions and place at risk U.S. programs, including Medicare drug discounts, the Medicaid Preferred Drug List, the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, and medication available through the Veterans Administration system; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Congress of the United States to oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership because of its adverse impact on Medicare and Medicaid; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
