SENATOR COLLINS SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO PREVENT CUSTOMS OFFICIALS FROM BLOCKING PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORTS

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Susan Collins today voted in favor of an amendment to the Homeland Security appropriations bill that would prohibit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from using any funds in the bill to prevent individuals from importing  prescription drugs from Canada for personal use.  The amendment passed 68 to 32.               “We must do all we can to make prescription drugs more affordable,” said Senator Collins.  “I believe that individuals who choose to turn to Canada in hopes of finding cheaper, FDA-approved, medicine should be able to do so without worrying that those drugs will be seized by U.S. customs and border agents.”               Senator Collins has consistently supported legislation aimed at reducing the high cost of prescription drugs which place a tremendous strain on family budgets.  Senator Collins recently cosponsored the Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act which would provide access to safe, lower-priced prescription drugs from Canada and other countries and mandates comprehensive safety measures to maintain the integrity of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply.