DelBene Statement on Bipartisan Passage of 21st Century Cures

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today issued the following statement after supporting passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, which now heads to the Senate before reaching the President’s desk:

“This legislation is an important step toward spurring medical innovation, and I am pleased many of the critical investments I have championed were included in the compromise — such as increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), opioid abuse prevention programs and cancer research,” DelBene said. “I am also pleased to see provisions included that will improve our nation’s mental health system and support medical providers in rural and underserved communities.

“I am disappointed by certain aspects of the final compromise, including shortsighted cuts to prevention and public health efforts. However, I believe the final legislation represents a commendable effort by both parties to set aside their differences to accelerate the development of new cures, treatments and vaccines. As someone who started her career in medical research, I know firsthand how important research funding is for life-saving breakthroughs, and I believe these strategic investments will make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of patients and their families.”

DelBene recently led more than 160 House members in calling for NIH funding to be increased by at least $2 billion in 2017, and the recently-enacted Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) included a DelBene amendment to scale-up a successful Washington program to help individuals suffering from opioid abuse.

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