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21st Century Cures Act

Floor Speech

Date: July 9, 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care

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Mr. Chair, I rise today to support the 21st Century Cures Act and thank the chairman and the Committee on Energy and Commerce to keep America at the forefront of medical innovation by removing barriers that prevent development and delivery of life-improving therapies.

However, this is not only an issue of keeping America competitive; it is a moral issue. The greatest physician in history said in Matthew: ``Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.''

I want to share the story of Brennan Simkins, who was diagnosed with childhood cancer. Brennan has had over four stem cell transplants. He is still living today, and he is the student of my wife, who is teaching him piano.

He is truly a miracle and a blessing to us, but he still requires medications. There are medications out there which are caught up in bureaucratic red tape. By passing this bill, we can help patients and families across the country, like Brennan Simkins, get access to the medicines of tomorrow.

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