“We cannot simply hand over the keys to America’s innovation engine, especially not to countries like China and Russia,” writes Republican Leader on the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), warning of Democrats’ efforts to waive Intellectual Property (IP) protections and endanger American innovation.
In an op-ed for The Hill, Rep. Smith points out Democrats’ willingness to obstruct American innovation and give away hope-giving treatments and cures to China.
CLICK HERE to read the full op-ed.
Key Excerpts:
- “Getting vaccines to every corner of the world is a noble and important effort, and we are well on our way to doing so without handing over American IP.”
- “Democrats in Congress have already shown their willingness to sacrifice new treatments and cures through their socialist drug pricing proposal, so perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised by the Administration’s recent efforts to waive certain obligations under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement for COVID-19 vaccines.”
- “Giving away American IP is not only dangerously short-sided; it won’t solve the challenges of getting more shots in arms.”
- “That’s why I’ve introduced legislation — the Protecting American Innovation Act — to affirm Congress’s authority over international trade by requiring the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to consult with Congress when negotiating any suspension or modification of trade agreements, including any COVID-related waivers or suspensions.”
- “The work our researchers and scientists do every day makes the world a better place, and I believe the government should foster that — not get in the way as the government has done on far too many occasions.”
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