Lorain Times

Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee moved forward with Congressman Bob Latta's Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments (OMUFA). The bill, co-led by Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, aims to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee Act. This legislation has played a role in enhancing access to over-the-counter medicines.

Latta emphasized the significance of OMUFA: “The over-the-counter monograph drug user fee program (OMUFA) allows consumers to manage their own care safely and affordably. Five years ago, as the original sponsor of this legislation, my colleagues and I modernized how the FDA regulates most over-the-counter medicines by enacting OMUFA. These reforms transformed a 40-year-old system, making it more efficient, transparent, and open to innovation. I’m proud to lead the reauthorization of this critical program and thank my Energy and Commerce colleagues for advancing this important legislation to improve access to over-the-counter medicines.”

DeGette added her support: "The passage of OMUFA out of the Energy & Commerce Committee will help to ensure that over-the-counter medications are safe, effective, and accessible. I’m glad to have worked on this important, bipartisan legislation to build on our success and ensure FDA can continue their work to deliver trusted medicines to all Americans.”

Crenshaw highlighted consumer benefits: “Our bill gives the FDA the tools to keep up with modern science — reviewing over-the-counter medicines faster, without sacrificing safety. That means more trust for consumers, fewer delays for innovation, and no new burden on taxpayers."

Dingell pointed out widespread use: “Nearly nine out of ten Americans regularly use over the counter medications to quickly, easily, and effectively manage a range of conditions. The Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act has been highly successful in improving OTC drug availability and safety, and I’m glad to see this legislation pass out of committee. I will continue to work with my bipartisan colleagues to ensure consumers have safe access to the OTC products they depend on, and the U.S. remains a global leader in health and innovation.”

Watch Congressman Latta’s remarks from today’s committee markup here.