Innovation

Representative Scott Peters Supports Innovation in the Life Sciences

In Congress, Scott Peters has prioritized greater investment in life-science and biotechnology research to foster innovation and growth, and to keep America competitive. His actions on Capitol Hill have included supporting businesses and government agencies who invest in R&D, promoting health innovation, and supporting entrepreneurs who contribute to the innovation economy.

I. PRIORITIZING INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

• Scott introduced H.R. 3757, the Igniting American Research Act that would extend the R&D tax credit, make permanent and increase the Alternative Simplified Credit (ASC) to 20%, and encourage more collaborative energy and biotechnology research. This would create at least 162,000 jobs and increase our GDP by $66 billion.
• Scott voted for H.R. 4438, the American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2014, which establishes a similar permanent research tax credit.
• Scott introduced H.R. 5056, the Research and Development Efficiency Act, which establishes a working group to streamline federal regulations and reporting requirements and to minimize the regulatory burden on researchers.  The bill passed the House in July 2014.
• Scott introduced H.R. 2421, the Renewable Chemicals Parity Act of 2013, which would give renewable chemicals parity to biorefinery projects and other biobased programs in the Farm Bill’s energy title.
• Scott advocated for increasing NIH funding to $35 billion, nearly $3 billion more than the President’s request, in order to continue crucial investments in life science and health research.
• Scott visited NIH and met with director Dr. Francis Collins to discuss how scientific research improves human health and strengthens our economy.

• Scott sent a request to the Appropriations Committee asking that the National Science Foundation be funded at $7.626 billion.
• Scott signed a letter to the Appropriations Committee advocating for the National Science Foundation.

Scott supports:

• H.R. 3084, the Qualifying Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit Act of 2013, which allows a business-related tax credit for the production of renewable chemicals by establishing a five-year program to allocate credit amounts.

• H.R. 3473, the Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project Tax Credit Extension Act of 2013, offering tax credits to keep the US on the cutting edge of medical technology innovation.
• H.R. 523, the Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2013, to repeal the excise tax on medical device manufacturers.
• H.R. 4384, the America HEALS Act, establishing a sustained biomedical research fund to advance various research firms, including Veterans Affairs prosthetic research programs.

Scott is a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Algae Caucus.

II. PROMOTING HEALTH INNOVATION

In 2014 Scott was awarded the 2014 Visionary Award from the California Health Institute at their Inspiring Biomedical Innovation Program, which supports the life sciences, public policy and patient advocacy communities.

Scott introduced H.R. 3577, the Health Savings Through Technology Act, which would create a commission to inventory existing data pertaining to wireless health technologies, examine the cost-savings that can be achieved by increasing the use of wireless health technologies, and develop a comprehensive strategy for integrating these technologies into federal health care programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, which often serve the mobility-impaired and elderly.

Scott introduced H.R.3507, the 21st Century Care for Military and Veterans Act, which would expand reimbursement policies covering the use of telehealth services, including mental health monitoring, under TRICARE and the VA Medical System. This would allow active duty service members and veterans to receive the most modern care available, while limiting bureaucratic obstacles.

III. SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION

• Scott hosted Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer at UCSD to highlight San Diego’s ‘Innovation Economy’ and promote our region’s economic potential.
• Scott introduced an amendment to ­H.R. 4189, the FIRST Act that generates a study of university-based incubators and accelerators to identify best practices based on how these programs help inspire the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in our students. This amendment was adopted by the Research and Technology Subcommittee.
• Scott voted to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship and not unfairly burdening universities, start-up companies, and small business by voting against H.R. 3309.

Scott supports:

• H.R. 3918, the Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Act, which would amend sections of the Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to improve the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and regional innovation programs.
• H.R. 2582, the PATENT Jobs Act, which ensures that the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office is exempt from sequestration by adding it to the list of exempt agencies.

Scott introduced H.Res 401, a bill to honor the memory of Duane Roth and recognize the third Tuesday of every November as National Entrepreneurs’ Day, paying tribute to America’s original pioneers, and educating, invigorating, and inspiring America’s next generation to successfully pursue new ventures. This bill will bolster America’s position as a global economic leader and innovator.

Scott introduced H.Res 733, a bill to designate the month of September as "Clinical Research Innovation Month". Last year alone, clinical research efforts led to over 85 new drugs approved by the FDA, aiding the fights against cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and countless other ailments.

Scott is a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where he sits on the Subcommittee on Research and Technology and the Subcommittee on Oversight.