Made in USA Medicines (E.O. 13944)

Summary

Aims to reduce America's dependence on other countries for important medicines and medical supplies by boosting production at home.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. relies too much on other countries for vital medical supplies, which is a risk during health crises. This order directs the government to buy more American-made medicines and supplies to build a stronger domestic industry.

What does this order do?

Prioritizes buying American-made medical supplies

Requires government agencies to limit competition for contracts to only U.S. producers of essential medicines and medical supplies.

Creates a list of essential medicines

Directs the FDA to identify a list of essential medicines, medical countermeasures, and critical components that must be available at all times.

Changes international trade agreements

Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to remove essential medicines and medical supplies from government purchasing commitments under trade agreements.

Strengthens military medical supply chains

Requires the Secretary of Defense to restrict the purchase of essential medical supplies to domestic sources for national defense reasons.

Identifies supply chain weaknesses

Orders the Secretary of Health and Human Services to find and fix weak spots in the supply chain for essential medical products.

Combats counterfeit medicines online

Directs a review of agency powers to limit online government purchases to e-commerce sites that fight the sale of counterfeit goods.

Speeds up approvals for U.S. producers

Tells the FDA to accelerate the approval process for domestic makers of essential medicines and medical supplies.

Uses the Defense Production Act

Authorizes using the Defense Production Act to prioritize government contracts for essential medical supplies over any other orders.

Who does this affect?

U.S. manufacturers of medical supplies
Federal government agencies
American public

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens national security

Reduces reliance on foreign nations for critical medical supplies, ensuring the U.S. can respond to health emergencies like pandemics or chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats without disruption.

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Boosts domestic manufacturing

Creates long-term demand for U.S.-made medical products by directing government agencies to prioritize buying them. This could create jobs and strengthen the American industrial base.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on August 6, 2020, and sets multiple deadlines for federal agencies to complete specific actions.

List of essential medicines

Within 90 days (by November 4, 2020), the FDA must identify the list of essential medicines, medical countermeasures, and their critical inputs.

Trade agreement modifications

Within 30 days of the FDA's list being published, the U.S. Trade Representative must act to exclude these items from federal procurement agreements.

Defense procurement restrictions

Within 60 days of the FDA's list being published, the Secretary of Defense must restrict procurement of these items to domestic sources.

Supply chain vulnerability report

Within 180 days (by February 2, 2021), the Secretary of Health and Human Services must identify and take action to fix weaknesses in the medical supply chain.

Annual agency reports

Starting by December 15, 2021, and every year after, agencies must report on their procurement of essential medical supplies.