Bill · S. 2345· Senate(119-S-2345)
Short on Competition Act
- Introduced
- 7/17/2025
- Last activity
- 7/17/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Amy Klobuchar
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Short on Competition Act" aims to expedite the approval of generic drugs and allow for the temporary importation of prescription drugs. This action is intended for situations involving drug shortages or marginally competitive drug markets. The bill authorizes the Secretary to permit the importation of certain drugs for up to three years if specific conditions are met. It also establishes criteria for when a market is considered "marginally competitive" based on the availability of approved drugs. Finally, the act includes requirements for annual reporting on drug shortages and temporary importations.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+7
Improves access to critical drugs during shortages through expedited importation processes.
Does this lower the price of prescription medicines?+6
By increasing competition and allowing imports, the bill aims to lower costs for essential medications.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+5
Increases consumer access to essential medications by addressing market competition and shortages.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Addressing Drug Shortages: The Secretary shall authorize the importation of drugs if there is, or is likely to be, a drug shortage (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Expedited Review and Importation in Competitive Markets: In a marginally competitive market, the Secretary may expedite the review of applications and inspections, and shall authorize the importation of the drug (Section 2(b)(a)).
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Faster Access to Drugs: Once all required information is received from an importer, the Secretary shall authorize importation of a drug no later than 60 days later (Section 2(a)(1)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Discretionary Denial Based on Safety: The Secretary may deny the importation of a drug if they determine the drug is not safe and effective, or if its marketing authorization was withdrawn due to safety or effectiveness concerns (Section 2(a)(1)(3)).
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Limited Duration of Importation: The authority to import a drug is not permanent, as it terminates after 3 years or when the drug shortage no longer applies (Section 2(a)(1)(4)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+7Reduces Prescription Drug Costs+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Middle Class Households+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Government Transparency+2
- 7/17/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Chuck GrassleyRepublican · Iowa
Mike LeeRepublican · Utah