Week 10

In response to this.

Please tell me you didn't just cite this as the reason that Santorum takes the interests of corporations over families:

"Santorum has consistently voted in favor of these interests in Congress — voting against the re-importation of drugs from Canada, for example..."

Here is the roll call of this particular vote:
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&session=2&vote=00201

It passed 78 to 21.

So how can you cite this as an example of Santorum putting the interests of corporations over families? This "no" vote became irrelevant in the scheme of things once it passed.

And why, might you ask, did Santorum vote no to S.812?

One only has to go as far as this article.

Analysis: U.S. report fuels Rx drug debate

By Al Swanson
UPI Urban Affairs Correspondent

Chicago, IL, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- A study by a federal task force that concluded making commercially imported prescription drugs widely available likely would save U.S. consumers only about 1 percent a year fuels the debate over importing cheaper foreign medicines.

However, Sens. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., and Rick Santorum, R-Pa., said the report concluded importation of prescription drugs by individuals for personal use cannot be made safe and reliable.

"There is simply no amount of resources that can guarantee that the content and quality of foreign prescription drugs purchased via the Internet, mail order, or other such means are safe for patients to consume," Kyl and Santorum said in a statement. "Furthermore, these studies conclude that creating a system for commercial importation that upholds traditional standards of safety and quality would be enormously expensive, substantially reducing any cost savings to the consumer."

It appears that only two years later - this report was released to the public. Makes you feel very safe, doesn't it?

More info on the task force report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Let's all cross our fingers and hope that our drugs continue to be safe for consumption, despite the passage of this "quick fix" bill that in the end - might not save anyone a dime (and could cost someone their health safety).

Voted NO on allowing importation of Rx drugs from Canada.

S. 812, as amended; Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act of 2002. Vote to pass a bill that would permit a single 30-month stay against Food and Drug Administration approval of a generic drug patent when a brand-name company's patent is challenged. The secretary of Health and Human Services would be authorized to announce regulations allowing pharmacists and wholesalers to import prescription drugs from Canada into the United States. Canadian pharmacies and wholesalers that provide drugs for importation would be required to register with Health and Human Services. Individuals would be allowed to import prescription drugs from Canada. The medication would have to be for an individual use and a supply of less than 90-days.

Bill S.812 ; vote number 2002-201 on Jul 31, 2002

More info on the vote.