TALLAHASSEE: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that he wants to give patients access to cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, making Florida the latest state to try to import medications to reduce rising healthcare costs.

“Once we get this in place, U.S. citizens will be able to have access to more affordable drugs,” DeSantis told a cheering crowd at The Villages, a massive retirement community northwest of Orlando.

Flanked by Florida House Speaker José Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, and Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration Mary Mayhew, DeSantis said he would ask state lawmakers to pass a bill allowing such drug imports from Canada. The federal government would still need to approve it, something it hasn’t done since Congress passed a law to create the process in 2003.

“I want you to know I spoke personally to President Trump both Sunday and Monday about this,” he said, referring to his political ally. “He’s not only supportive, he’s enthusiastic.”