Boswell says importation of prescription drugs being held up by U-S companies

Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell says a proposal to allow the importation of prescription drugs from other countries is being held up by U-S drug companies. Boswell has pushed for the measure to try and lower the cost of prescription drugs for the elderly.Boswell says the issue shows the lobbying power of the big drug companies.Boswell, a democrat, is calling on the leadership in the House and Senate to push the measure through.Boswell says the drug companies have moved to block two different versions of the drug importation proposal.On an issue involving a drug approved by the FDA, Boswell would not support a House proposal putting restrictions on the so-called abortion pill RU-486.Oklahoma Congressman Tom Coburn, who is a physician, has introduced a bill that would require doctors who prescribe RU-486 to be trained in surgical procedures. Boswell says the drug has been approved by the FDA, and that’s adequate.The drug gained F-D-A approval last week after years of testing in several states, including Iowa.