House Overwhelmingly Approves Bipartisan Committee Legislation to Support Pediatric Health Care

February 4, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives this evening approved with bipartisa support two Energy and Commerce Committee initiatives aimed at improving children’s health care: the National Pediatric Research Network Act (H.R. 225) and the Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act (H.R. 297).

Click here to watch Chairman Fred Upton’s (R-MI) floor remarks

The National Pediatric Research Network Act (H.R. 225), authored by Reps. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), would allow NIH to fund pediatric research networks comprised of a consortia of institutions that will cooperate in conducting research on conditions and diseases affecting children. H.R. 225 was approved by a vote of 375 to 27.

Click here to watch Health Subcommittee Chairman Joe Pitts’ floor remarks

The Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act (H.R. 297), authored by Health Subcommittee Chairman Joe Pitts (R-PA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ), would extend the widely used program for five years. CHGME provides support to children’s hospitals for pediatric medical residency programs. Today, over 40 percent of pediatricians and pediatric specialists are trained through the CHGME program. H.R. 297 was approved by a vote of 352 to 50.

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