Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) today voted in favor of H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act which includes numerous reforms to expedite the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures. Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be given flexibility to expedite the review and approval of new drugs, medical devices, and treatments.
The bill includes legislation Congressman Barr cosponsored, H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act which represents the most significant reforms to the mental health system in more than a decade. The bill also authorizes a substantial investment to fight the opioid and heroin addiction crisis.
“Passage of this bill will give hope to millions of Americans that we will find effective treatments and cures to diseases more quickly and with less government red tape,” said Congressman Barr. “We will transform the way that we treat mental health, and we will invest more in the fight against the growing epidemic of drug addiction which is devastating families and communities in Kentucky. I am proud to vote for this landmark legislation which will improve the lives of so many suffering from disease, mental illness, and addiction.”
The 21st Century Cures Act is expected to be passed by the U.S. Senate and signed by President Obama.