The American Spectator

Medical research is a world full of misses, empties, and almosts. On average companies have to review between 5,000 and 10,000 substances for every drug on the market. It ain’t easy, especially compared to the ease with which politicians make ignorant but vote-getting pronouncements.

The fact that Australia, Canada, and Europe leech off of American R&D by imposing price controls on U.S. drugs sold in their markets doesn’t excuse Washington’s City Council for trying to do the same. And it isn’t possible.

The unfortunate reality is that importing foreign-controlled prices will discourage companies from investing. Catania’s constituents might get cheaper drugs today, but they will have fewer effective drugs tomorrow. If the U.S. imposes price controls, there no longer will be a market upon which anyone can leech.

If the bill survives court challenge, the drugmakers need to adopt a simple stance: no drugs sold in the District. If people want high quality medical products and services, they must pay for them. If they won’t pay for them, they need to look elsewhere for health care. Maybe David Catania and his colleagues will switch jobs and make medicine for the sick.

What is most disappointing about Catania’s misguided campaign for a free lunch is not that he’s trying to win votes with a demagogic attack on an industry that provides medical miracles to his constituents. It is that his constituents apparently believe that they can get something for nothing.

Yes, the world as it ought to be is a wonderful place. But it doesn’t exist. As Mr. Catania and his constituents, ultimately along with the rest of us, will pay the price if the bill survives the ongoing court battles.