Reiterated his opposition to legislation that would let lower-cost U.S. prescription drugs be reimported from Canada and other countries, although he conceded his views are increasingly at odds with most Americans. "If a person doesn't take the right blood pressure medicine, he can die", Breaux said.
Washington Bureau July 15, 2004–
“"Congress should be very cautious about allowing a flood of unregulated pharmaceuticals to come pouring into the United States, many of which will be bogus and some even deadly."”
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Governor Schwarzenegger's Administration threatened that he would veto four bills designed to help Californians buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada unless the measures are amended.
Mercury News August 20, 2004
Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida:
As some U.S. states welcome Canadian Internet pharmacies and the cheaper prescription drugs they sell, Gov. Bush says they're making his residents sick, and he's not sold on them. Bush who met with Prime Minister Paul Martin and with executives from Quebec's pharmaceutical association has been an outspoken critic of Canada's Internet drug industry.
Canadian Press July 30, 2004
Editorial - Our position is: Drug companies shouldn't have to compete with medicines imported from countries that impose price controls. Gov. Joe Kernan should not allow the reimportation of prescription drugs in Indiana. Kernan would support reimportation if the federal government doesn't act to give consumers relief from high drug costs by March 1. His plan would put Indiana among a handful of states that are attempting to circumvent the Food and Drug Administarion's rules that ban reimporrtation.
The Indianapolis Star September 8, 2004
Chris Chocola, R-Bristol Congressional Candidate:
Chocola, vigorously has defended his vote in favor of new Medicare legislation and his vote against the reimportation of drugs, which he has said he opposes because of safety concerns.
South Bend Tribune July 1, 2004
Peter Coors, Republican Senate Candidate:
Rejects the idea of reimportation.
Rocky Mountain News July 21, 2004
The longest-serving member of the U.S. House and a longtime advocate for senior citizens, voted against a reimportation bill in the House last year. "There's no guarantee that it's going to be safe or that the drugs are not going to be counterfeit," Dingell said.
Knight Ridder Newspapers July 16, 2004
"I think its wrong for the highest elected official in Illinois (Rod Blagojevich) to tell people to go out and break the law."
PJStar August 19, 2004
Michael J. Knapp, Councilman (Germantown):
Opposes the drug reimportation plan because it would make employees “guinea pigs” for imported drugs which may not be safe.
Gazette.net July 28, 2004
Rudolph Guiliani, Former New York Mayor:
Told federal lawmakers in early July that there are dangers related to allowing U.S. consumers acquire Canadian drugs.
The Business Journal - July 20, 2004 –
"Importing drugs not subject to our country’s regulations is a dangerous practice. Patient safety should be our number one priority, not scoring political points for special interest."
Business Wire August 18, 2004
“"The Administration strongly opposes a provision in the bill regarding the reimportation of prescription drugs. We share with the Congress concerns for senior citizens and other patients who have difficulty affording prescription drugs. However, this provision could result in unsafe, unapproved, or counterfeit drugs being imported into the United States."”
La Crosse Tribune August 12, 2004