August 7. 2020
As Americans continue to struggle through the most devastating health crisis in a century, affordability and access to medical care are more important than ever. Unfortunately, today’s “Buy American” executive order will cut against these priorities by upending the global supply chain that patients depend on for critical treatments and cures.
Efforts to increase patients’ safety are praiseworthy, but this cannot come at the expense of their health. Today’s order will lead to medical supply shortages, raising prices and decreasing the availability of medicines—jeopardizing the health of millions of Americans who rely on existing treatment plans and price levels. At this time, COVID-19 has no cure, and individuals can only rely on their existing health to combat the virus. Today’s executive order puts that health at risk. As such, CASE urges the Trump administration to reconsider its proposal and prioritize increased access to care for all Americans.
