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H.R.4131 / 109th Congress

Public Health Emergency Medicines Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Oct 25, 2005

Public Health Emergency Medicines Act - Gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services the right to authorize use of the subject matter of a patent relating to health care without authorization of the patent holder if the Secretary determines that the invention is needed to address a public health emergency. Provides for reasonable remuneration for the patent holder for use of the patent.

Allows the Secretary to authorize the use of a patent, without the patent holder's authorization, to export medicines or other health care products that are needed to address global public health emergencies when the legitimate rights of the patent holder are protected in the export market.

Authorizes the Secretary to immediately approve a new drug application upon request by a person authorized to manufacture the drug under this Act.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH-13] · D–OH

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
  • Energy and Commerce Committee
6 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.

  3. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  5. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  6. Introduced in House

  7. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.4131 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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