The bill before the committee today consists of two substantial parts. One calling for a state-sponsored web site to facilitate illegal importation of pharmaceuticals from Canada. The other calls on the state to mimic other jurisdictions in actually importing such pharmaceuticals directly for state-sponsored programs.

The state-sponsored web site was addressed in my testimony on SB 1149. The issues in this importation debate are safety, the impact of price controls on research and development, and intellectual property.

With all due respect to the committee, its staff, and the time, effort, and taxpayer money that must have been expended in putting together this resolution, I must say that the facts collected don't support the conclusion that massive importation of pharmaceuticals from Canada will "pose no additional risk to the public.s health and safety and will result in significant reduction of cost of prescription drugs to the American consumer."