WTIP talks with Sen. Tina Smith following her recent visit to Grand Portage

The Expanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Act of 2023 was introduced by Democratic Senator Tina Smith from Minnesota and Republican Senator Mike Braun from Indiana last month.

It seeks to speed up the process for generic versions of drugs to reach the market, according to the members of Congress.

“This bill closes the loophole that big pharmaceutical companies have been exploiting in order to force Americans into buying overpriced drug,” Smith said.

A vote on the bill is expected as soon as the first week of May.

Senator Smith recently spoke with WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs about the law and what it means for people in Cook County.

Other topics discussed during the interview include Smith’s recent visit to Cook County. Smith met with officials from the Grand Portage Tribal Council and others from the community on April 14. During her visit, Smith also connected with local author and historian Tim Cochrane. Listen to the full interview that originally aired live April 27 during WTIP’s Daybreak program. Audio below.

Joe Friedrichs April 27, 2023