A sweeping health bill that will help every American has passed overwhelming in the House with the leadership of Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA10). The 21st Century Cures Act passed the House on Wednesday by a vote of 392-26. It is expected to also pass the Senate and be signed into law.
The 21st Century Cures Act will force the FDA to get drugs to market faster than they have in the past. People die while the FDA holds up drugs that could help them. FDA knows they may have the cure for some diseases but they won’t let people have the drugs, not even dying patients. It currently takes an average of 12 years to bring a drug through the FDA and to the consumer. It’s ridiculous. Too many people die waiting. The Cures Act change that by speeding up the FDA process.
From the Loudoun Times,
“The 21st Century Cures Act is a game changer in medical innovation in the fight for cures of chronic diseases,” Comstock, who won re-election in November, said in statement. “This legislation will help the United States lead the way in medical research and brings hope to patients with cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions as we fight to find new cures.”
Senator Tim Kaine has said he will support the Cures Act in the Senate but far left Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have vowed to fight against it. They are concerned that it will help the big pharmacy businesses by getting their products to market sooner. Seriously? THAT’s their concern? What about people who are dying while they wait for those drugs? At least Kaine isn’t that looney.
“Sen. Kaine will support the 21st Century Cures Act, bipartisan legislation which includes critically important funding for the National Institutes of Health, including the Cancer Moonshot Initiative,” Kaine spokesperson Sarah Peck said. “The bill also includes $1 billion in funding to combat the opioid abuse crisis and improve access to mental health care, which will have a tangible impact on the daily lives of Virginians in need.”
Senator Warner has not said if he will support the Cures Act.
The bill includes $1.8 Billion for cancer research. Frankly I can’t imagine anyone NOT supporting the Cures Act.
More here.
