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H.R.938 / 116th Congress

BLOCKING Act of 2019

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 24.

Official summary

Version 07 · Reported to House · May 2, 2019

Bringing Low-cost Options and Competition while Keeping Incentives for New Generics Act of 2019 or the BLOCKING Act of 2019

This bill modifies provisions related to market exclusivity for a generic drug.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) awards 180 days of exclusivity on the market to a first applicant to file a qualifying application for market approval of a generic drug. Generally, this exclusivity period begins upon a first applicant's commercial marketing of the drug.

The bill authorizes the FDA to approve a subsequent generic drug application prior to a first applicant's first date of commercial marketing if (1) the subsequent application is ready for full approval, (2) a first applicant's application has been pending for at least 30 months, and (3) the approval of a first applicant's application is not precluded by patent infringement claims asserted against that first applicant.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Schrader, Kurt [D-OR-5] · D–OR

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
16 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 24.

  2. Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 116-46.

  3. Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 116-46.

  4. Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

  5. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  6. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

  7. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  8. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

  9. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

  10. Introduced in House

  11. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.938 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

Examine H.R.938 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.938 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.938 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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