HOUSE EASILY APPROVES AUSTRALIA FTA, DRUG PROVISIONS DRAW FIRE

The House of Representatives this week easily approved legislation implementing the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement in a 314-109 vote on July 14, with 116 Democrats joining 198 Republicans in backing the implementing bill. However, the legislation was passed amid fears that pharmaceutical provisions in the agreement could be included in future trade accords that would effectively choke-off the ability of Congress to pass legislation allowing for the re-importation of discount pharmaceuticals. "Once we approve this language, any attempt to pass...