Byrne Supports Major Medical Research Legislation

Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today voted in favor of legislation to improve our nation’s medical research programs, spur medical innovation, fight the nation’s opioid addiction crisis, and boost mental health programs.

The legislation, known as the 21st Century Cures Act, has been years in the making. The bill brings health research, the drug approval process, and mental health programs into the 21st Century and gives much needed hope to millions of Americans who suffer from various diseases. The bill allows the Food and Drug Administration to expedite the approval process for breakthrough medical treatments, drugs, and devices.

The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 392 to 26.

Byrne said: “It is not often that Congress passes legislation that can actually save lives, but this bill has the potential to do that by bringing our nation’s medical research programs and drug approval process into the 21st Century. These reforms and the additional funding will help spur medical innovation as we look to find cures and treatments for diseases that impact far too many American families.

“Mental health reform has long been a priority for me, and I am especially pleased this legislation includes provisions to strengthen our nation’s mental health programs. These reforms will go a long way toward changing the way we treat mental illness in America.

“I applaud Chairman Fred Upton for his leadership and determination to help push this bill through, which is one of the most consequential pieces of legislation passed in this Congress. I look forward to its speedy passage in the Senate.”

21st Century Cures provides the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with over $4 billion in new funding. Over $1 billion will go toward the new Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into disease, over $1 billion will go toward cancer research, and over $1 billion will go toward the BRAIN initiative to improve understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

The bill also includes funding to help states address the opioid prescription drug crisis. All new funding in the bill is offset, and the Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will actually result in government savings.