Bill for Separate Pharma USTR Introduced

[ABS News Service/07.08.2026]

Legislation to create the position of chief pharmaceutical negotiator within the US Trade Representative’s Office has been introduced by Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont).

The Use Sovereignty to Reduce Rx Act (USTRx Act) would combat unfair, foreign pharmaceutical price controls that force Americans to shoulder the cost of developing lifesaving drugs while other countries reap the benefits, the senator said.

“America leads the world in developing lifesaving medicines, but for too long, foreign governments have gamed the system with price controls that force hardworking Americans to pick up the tab for these drugs. That’s not free trade – it’s freeloading,” he stated.

A recent Special 301 report from USTR confirmed several foreign governments, including Germany and Japan, continue to use unfair policies to suppress pharmaceutical prices below fair market value and arbitrarily limit access to lifesaving products, the senator noted. USTR currently is conducting a Section 301 investigation against Germany to determine whether persistent underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products by Germany is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts US commerce.

The bill is cosponsored by Republican Sens. Ted Budd (NC) and Dave McCormick (Pa). Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Rep. Jody Arrington (R-Texas).

The bill would:

· Establish the position of Chief Pharmaceutical Trade Negotiator at USTR. The position would identify foreign price controls on drugs innovated in the United States.

· Compile and release an annual report to Congress on the policies and practices of high-income countries relating to the trade of pharmaceutical products.

· Submit to the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee a plan to respond to the policies and practices of high-income countries, which may include initiating an investigation under title III of the Trade Act of 1974.