Senate rejects low-cost drug imports

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WASHINGTON — The Senate has narrowly rejected a plan to allow Americans to import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada and other countries.

The amendment by North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan failed on a 51-48 vote. Sixty votes were needed to prevail.

Importing prescription drugs for personal use is a violation of federal law. Dorgan’s amendment would have lifted the ban, allowing access to low-cost medicines from developed countries where the government limits drug prices.

When he was a senator, President Obama supported drug imports, but his administration now echoes the objections of the pharmaceutical industry that it would cause safety problems.

-- Associated Press