House Approval Of ‘Cures’ Bill Faces 11th-Hour Threat From Abortion Rider, Safety Concerns
Backers of the bill say it would speed federal approval of drugs and medical devices, but some worry it would lower scientific standards and jeopardize patient safety. Some Democrats are threatening to pull their support if it includes a rider restricting abortion funding.
The Associated Press:
House Bill Would Speed Drug Approvals, Boost Research
Pressed by industry and patients' groups, the House is nearing approval of a bipartisan bill that would speed federal approval of drugs and medical devices and boost biomedical research. Passage seemed likely Friday despite warnings from consumer organizations and others that the measure would weaken government safeguards against dangerous or ineffective products. Supporters said that with genetic mapping, biologic medicines produced in living cells and other advances, it was time to streamline how federal regulators assure the safety of new treatments and let them reach market. (Fram, 7/10)
The Hill:
Late Objections Cast Doubt On Cures Bill
Objections from both sides of the aisle are stirring doubts about a bipartisan medical cures bill that is slated to hit the House floor on Friday. The 21st Century Cures Act was reported out of committee in May on a 51-0 vote. Supporters of the bill hoped the unanimous endorsement would lead to an overwhelming vote in the House, but they are running into last-minute opposition on the eve of the vote. ... some Democrats are railing against a late addition to the bill that includes Hyde Amendment language further restricting the use federal funds for abortion services. (Sullivan and Ferris, 7/9)
The Wall Street Journal:
House Medical Bill Sparks Drug-Safety Debate
The House plans to vote Friday on a bill to boost federal funding for medical research, but the measure’s changes to drug approvals have drawn the ire of medical-safety advocates, who contend it would jeopardize safety by lowering scientific standards. The multifaceted bill would increase funding for the National Institutes of Health by about $9 billion over five years. Largely for that reason, House Democrats who might have opposed the changes at the Food and Drug Administration have supported the bill, which passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 51-0. (Burton, 7/9)
NPR:
Bill To Boost Medical Research Comes With A Catch
The House of Representatives is planning to consider a bill Friday that could give a big cash infusion to medical research, which has been struggling in recent years. But the bill would also tweak the government's drug approval process in a way that makes some researchers nervous. Despite those worries, many scientists are cheering on the legislation. (Harris, 7/10)
McClatchy:
Republican Medical Research Bill Meets Resistance From The Right
A Republican-led effort in Congress to boost funding for medical research by more than $9 billion is getting pushback from conservative activists. The 21st Century Cures Act would grant an additional $8.75 billion to the National Institutes of Heath over five years and $550 million for the Food and Drug Administration during the same time period. The bill sailed unanimously through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in May, 51-0, and is poised to get a vote Friday in the U.S. House of Representatives. (Wise, 7/10)
