Congressman Tierney believes much more must be done to
improve our nation’s health care system and to lower the skyrocketing expenses
currently associated with medical care. Even large industry executives are
finally coming around to realize that we need a health care system that covers
everyone and still provides quality care. We already spend more on health care
than any other country, and most other industrialized nations have universal
care! We need to revise our system to be much more efficient so that we cut
down administrative costs, make better use of technology, and work with health
care providers and others in the industry to establish standards of care to rid
the system of costly errors and redundant practices.
Congressman Tierney, since first elected, has supported
universal health care. In a continuing effort to address the nation’s looming
health care crisis, Congressman Tierney has co-sponsored the American Health
Security Act (H.R. 1200), which directs Congress to provide for health care
for every American and to control costs and enhance the quality of the health
care system.
Congressman Tierney is also working to pass legislation he
authored, entitled the States’ Right to Innovate in Health Care Act (H.R.
3891), which allows selected states, through a competitive selection process,
technical assistance, funding and regulatory flexibility, to implement
innovative state programs that would provide
universal health care for all state residents. These state-level universal
health care pilot programs could then serve as models for other states and
address the critical problem our nation faces with more than 45 million people
without health insurance today.
Congressman Tierney has also introduced the Food and
Drug Administration Safety Act (H.R. 4429). Recognizing the need to take
additional steps to monitor and protect patient safety after a drug has been
approved, Congressman Tierney’s bill ensures the FDA has the tools it needs to
protect patients by providing greater accountability and transparency within the
FDA.
An April 2006 report published by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), confirmed the FDA lacks the authority to monitor the safety of drugs after they have been approved for use. It also reported the FDA does not have the ability to require corrective action when appropriate. Now more than ever, Congress must take additional steps to ensure that the FDA has the capability to monitor and protect patient safety after a drug has been approved. My bipartisan proposal does just that by granting the FDA significant new authorities necessary to regulate the safety and effectiveness of approved drugs.
Congressman Tierney remains committed to taking a
leadership role on this matter and working to promote policies and programs that
ensure quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
