Latta supports new health care legislation

U.S. House of Representatives information

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bob Latta voted in support of H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act, landmark bipartisan legislation to help deliver more cures, treatments, and therapies to patients and bring the American health care system into the 21st century.

The legislation is the product of more than a year of listening to patients and other experts about what steps Congress can take to help researchers, caregivers, and innovators unleash the power of 21st century science and technology. H.R. 6 passed with overwhelming support by a vote of 344-77.

“Today’s innovations are tomorrow’s cures; the 21st Century Cures Act will provide the resources that ensure this country remains a leader in medical innovation, pioneering the next generation of cures and treatments,” said Latta on Friday. “Congress, through a bipartisan coalition, has taken a comprehensive look at what steps we can take to accelerate the pace of cures in America, and this bill is a result of these efforts.

“Working with patients, patient advocates, researchers, and innovators in the health care system, the House today passed legislation crafted to effectively close the gaps between advances in biomedical research, and the regulatory policies created to save more lives,” Latta added. “I urge my colleagues in the Senate not to delay passage of this legislation.”

The 21st Century Cures Act:

• Removes barriers to increased research collaboration.
• Incorporates the patient perspective into drug development and regulatory review process.
• Modernizes clinical trials.
• Provides new incentives for the development of drugs for rare diseases.
• Invests in 21st century science and next generation investigation ($2 billion per year for five years at the National Institutes of Health).
• Helps keep and create jobs here at home.

Read a two-page summary of H.R. 6 online HERE.