Urgent: Halt Devastating 100% Pharmaceutical Tariff to Save Lives

I am writing to express my grave concern over President Trump's recent announcement of a 100% import tax on pharmaceutical drugs, set to take effect on October 1. This drastic measure will have catastrophic consequences for millions of Americans, particularly our most vulnerable populations. The proposed tariff would effectively double the price of branded and patented pharmaceutical products for U.S. importers and consumers. In 2023, the U.S. imported approximately $158 billion worth of pharmaceutical products, accounting for 5.6% of our total imports. This tariff will not only disrupt our healthcare system but also potentially cost lives. The impact of this tariff will be felt most acutely by the elderly, disabled, and other vulnerable communities who rely heavily on prescription medications. Many of these individuals are already struggling to afford their necessary treatments. Doubling the cost of their medications could force them to choose between their health and other essential needs, or worse, to forgo critical treatments altogether. While the administration claims this move will protect U.S. manufacturing, the potential human cost far outweighs any perceived economic benefit. The pharmaceutical industry group PhRMA has warned that these tariffs could negatively impact investment in U.S. pharmaceuticals, potentially hindering rather than helping domestic production. I urge you to take immediate action to prevent this tariff from being implemented. We need policies that make healthcare more accessible and affordable, not measures that will price life-saving medications out of reach for millions of Americans. Please use your position to advocate for the reversal of this decision and to promote more effective strategies for supporting U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing without jeopardizing public health. Time is of the essence. With the October 1 implementation date rapidly approaching, swift action is crucial to prevent a healthcare crisis. I implore you to speak out against this tariff, work with your colleagues across the aisle, and push for alternative solutions that protect both American industry and the health of our citizens. The lives of your constituents depend on your immediate intervention.