Earlier today it was announced that President Obama is set to sign an executive order directing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to act to reduce and prevent prescription drug shortages. He will also announce his support for bipartisan legislation (S 296 and HR 2245) that White House officials say will give the FDA new tools to prevent drug shortages. The House bill would require companies to alert the FDA when they expect shortfalls. Both the House bill and the companion measure in the Senate have bipartisan support.