OPINION:
Over the last few years, in the face of withering attacks from the left and increasing government controls on our health care system, Republicans have put less emphasis on the importance of a strong U.S. biotech sector.
But as China works to aggressively expand its medical industry and increase America’s dependence on China’s biotech sector, conservatives can’t afford to lose sight of the critical role that homegrown innovation and free-market dynamics can play in keeping America safe, strong and prosperous.
That’s why Consumer Action for a Strong Economy — an advocacy group I co-founded to fight for American consumers through free-market policies — conducted a national survey this past month of likely voters including Republicans and Republican-leaning independents to understand how they view this evolving landscape. We found that Republican voters have awakened to this reality.
The poll presented these voters with 11 factual arguments in favor of free-market biotech policies to reduce red tape, reform the tax code, and protect intellectual property rights. Our research found that — despite the new populist conventional wisdom on the right — overwhelming majorities of right-leaning voters affirmed that these policies were necessary to keep us secure against the threat from China and create American jobs.
Over 80% of these voters supported these policies to bolster American biotech manufacturing, end dependence on China, and account for the enormous harm China’s intellectual property theft inflicts upon U.S. biotech companies and our economic future. Meanwhile, around three-quarters agree with a free-market approach to protect against unsafe Chinese counterfeit drugs and to make sure the United States remains the leader in biotech innovation.
To put this in perspective, in a political campaign, any issue that tests over 60% support is considered a messaging home run. Perhaps even more importantly, at least 40% of right-leaning voters found all of these arguments “very persuasive,” showing the agreement is strong.
These findings tested strongly across all demographic subgroups, regardless of age, gender, geographical region or ideology.
In addition, broad arguments centered on the importance of supporting biotech innovation and jobs, especially manufacturing jobs, continue to resonate with Republicans. This is particularly relevant at a time when supply chain challenges are resulting in critical shortages of cancer drugs and other lifesaving treatments.
Many free-market conservatives who took too long to recognize the frustrations of Republican voters now despair that appealing to these same voters is a lost cause. This does not have to be the case.
Republican support for free-market biotech solutions can be won, but we have to focus on the current concerns of voters, instead of merely presenting these arguments as nebulous abstractions.
Despite the political rhetoric on the left and the right, the American biotech sector remains central to the health, prosperity and security of every American. The industry succeeds despite being under daily assault from government policies that undermine innovation and job creation.
The strength and vitality of the American biotech industry is pivotal in our political struggle with China. In its goal to surpass the United States as the world’s preeminent economic global superpower, China has announced a strategic plan to become the world leader in biotech.
As part of this effort, China continues to steal intellectual property from American biotech firms while dangerous counterfeit drugs are flowing into the United States from China at an increasing pace, fueling the fentanyl epidemic. Americans saw during the pandemic how the United States remains dangerously dependent on China for the basic components of numerous drugs and the grave national security risk this presents.
Politicians often stumble when they try to fight the last war instead of recognizing how the landscape has changed. As we enter the beginning of what is certain to be a robust Republican presidential primary cycle, voters are ready to take China head-on and will support candidates who will do the same by strengthening America’s biotech sector.
• Gerard Scimeca is an attorney and serves as chairman and co-founder of Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, a free-market-oriented consumer advocacy organization.
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