President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported generic drugs could raise some prices for patients, according to Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
The U.S. relies primarily on China to produce the active ingredients in many antibiotics, which has led to concerns about the nation’s drug supply.
Cassidy said that protecting the nation’s drug supply might be worth paying for, even if it means higher prices for some patients.
Protecting the nation’s drug supply is a matter of national security, Cassidy believes, and it might be worth paying for, even if it means higher prices for some patients.
Domestic facilities have closed or shifted to producing other drugs, leaving the U.S. reliant on China for many antibiotics.
Cassidy asked if the U.S. wants China to have leverage over the production of these drugs, particularly if tensions rise between the two countries.
Trump announced that he would give generic drug companies two years to move production back to the U.S., after which he would impose 100% tariffs on imported products, rising to 200% the following year.
Generic drugs make up an estimated 90% of all prescriptions filled in the U.S.
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Cassidy, who is a physician, has served in Congress since 2009.
The U.S. has grappled with drug shortages in recent years, and Cassidy believes that protecting the nation’s drug supply is essential.
A study published in JAMA Health Forum found that the U.S. relies heavily on China for the production of active ingredients in many antibiotics.
Cassidy’s comments come as the U.S. is experiencing a surge in measles cases, with researchers at Johns Hopkins University reporting that the number of cases confirmed in 2026 has exceeded the total for 2025.
Cassidy also discussed the No Surprises Act, which was intended to shield patients from receiving big bills for medical care outside their health plan’s network.
The HELP Committee approved advancing the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act, a bipartisan bill that would expand requirements for hospitals and insurers to make prices public.
Sen. Cassidy’s comments on the proposed tariffs and drug prices highlight the complex issues surrounding the nation’s drug supply and healthcare system.
