Prescription Drug Import Plan Rejected

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate narrowly rejected a plan to allow

Americans to import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada and

other countries.

The amendment by North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan failed on a

51-48 vote. Sixty votes were needed to prevail.

Importing prescription drugs for personal use is a violation of

federal law. Dorgan's amendment would have lifted the ban, allowing

access to low-cost medicines from developed countries where the

government limits drug prices.

As a senator, President Barack Obama supported drug imports, but

his administration now echoes the objections of the pharmaceutical

industry that it would cause safety problems.

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