A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ``STOP GAMES Act of 2026'' aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regarding the petition process. It seeks to clarify how the Secretary can deny petitions intended primarily to delay the approval of certain drug applications. The bill establishes specific factors to help determine if a petition is being used as a delay tactic. Additionally, it mandates that the Secretary refer such matters to the Federal Trade Commission. The legislation also adjusts the timeline for when the Secretary approves applications and modifies rules for civil actions related to these petitions. Finally, it requires more detailed reporting to Congress regarding these petitions.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates detailed reporting to Congress regarding the identity of petitioners and the resources spent on petitions.
- Scored +6
Does this lower the price of prescription medicines?
The bill aims to accelerate the approval of applications for medicines, potentially increasing competition and lowering prices.
- Scored +5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill prevents companies from using frivolous petitions to delay the availability of affordable medicines.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Transparency and Accountability: The bill requires the Secretary to report specific details to Congress, including the identity of petitioners, the resources spent on petitions, and the estimated delay caused by each petition. (Section 2(c))
-
Prevention of Delay Tactics: The Secretary is granted the authority to deny petitions that do not raise valid scientific or regulatory issues or are submitted primarily to delay the approval of an application. (Section 2(a)(1)(E)(i))
-
Standardized Evaluation of Delay: The bill provides specific factors to identify delay tactics, such as submitting multiple serial petitions, submitting petitions close to patent expirations, or submitting petitions without supporting data. (Section 2(a)(1)(E)(ii))
-
Enforcement Against Improper Delay: If a petition is determined to be submitted with the primary purpose of delaying an application, the Secretary is required to refer the matter to the Federal Trade Commission. (Section 2(a)(1)(E)(iii))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Burden on Petitioners: The bill introduces several factors that could lead to the denial of a petition, such as taking an unreasonable amount of time to submit it or failing to provide comments during public input opportunities. (Section 2(a)(1)(E)(ii))
-
Restrictions on Legal Recourse: The bill mandates that courts dismiss certain civil actions without prejudice if the person has not first exhausted administrative remedies via a petition, or dismisses them with prejudice if the petition was not filed timely. (Section 2(b)(2))
-
Stricter Petition Submission Requirements: The bill amends the requirement for petitions to be submitted no later than 60 days after the information upon which the petition is based first became known to the party. (Section 2(a)(1)(i))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates detailed reporting to Congress regarding the identity of petitioners and the resources spent on petitions.
- Healthcare
- Does this lower the price of prescription medicines? — The bill aims to accelerate the approval of applications for medicines, potentially increasing competition and lowering prices.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill prevents companies from using frivolous petitions to delay the availability of affordable medicines.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — By reducing delays in medicine approvals, the bill may help lower drug costs for low-income families.
- 11/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/19/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Stephanie BiceRepublican · Oklahoma
Robert WittmanRepublican · Virginia