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April 09, 2007
U.S.-Korea Trade Pact
The United States and South Korea agreed on a new trade arrangement last week. The deal goes to Congress, where it faces some oppositoin from emboldened fair-trade/protectionist Democrats. I didn't see a lot of coverage, much less analysis, but this piece argues that the jury is still out on its effects on the environment and health care. The concern is that it allows for patent protection for big-name drug makers. No generic drugs means higher prices for the public health system. Here is a summary of the deal. More analysis of its prospects.
Elsewhere, Oxfam lauds Democrats for pushing back on these issues in upcoming trade deals.
Drug Pricing Shirttail: The tale of arm-twisting, procedural manipulation and perhaps vote-trading on the Medicare prescription drug bill is pretty well-worn at this point. 60 Minutes got some of the principals on record and lays the blame at the feet of the drug industry.
Posted by Adam Graham-Silverman at April 9, 2007 02:51 AM