The plan, sponsored by Louisiana Republican David Vitter and approved 55-36, dealt a defeat to the powerful drug lobby, which has so far prevailed in defeating widespread imports of drugs from Canada and other places where prices are far lower than in the United States.
Vitter's plan was attached to a bill funding the Customs Department and other homeland security agencies. It's unclear whether the idea will survive House-Senate talks on a final version of the bill.
Currently, visitors to Canada can return with a three-month supply of drugs.
Opponents of the idea say it will open the door to Internet scam artists.
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