12-Country Trade Deal Has Health Care Implications
On Monday, the U.S. and 11 Pacific Rim nations reached an agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, a sweeping package of economic provisions that could have wider effects on health care. Among other things, the TPP would protects biologic manufacturers' exclusivity for at least five and up to eight years and no longer allow tobacco companies to use arbitration panels to sue countries that pass anti-smoking legislation. Congress now has about 90 days to review and vote on the deal before sending it to President Obama.
- "Trans-Pacific Partnership Is Reached, but Faces Scrutiny in Congress" (Calmes, New York Times, 10/5).
- "U.S. Reaches Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Deal With 11 Pacific Nations" (Mauldin, Wall Street Journal, 10/5).
- "Deal Reached on Pacific Rim Trade Pact in Boost for Obama Economic Agenda" (Nakamura, Washington Post, 10/5).