21st Century Cures Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. Chair, I appreciate the gentleman from New Jersey yielding some time.

Tomorrow, the House will vote on the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation that will advance medical research at the FDA and the NIH to lead new treatment for cures for countless people. This is necessary.

However, what is not necessary is the dangerous language that Republican leadership quietly tucked in the bill that blocks access to reproductive care. This is unacceptable.

As a member of the Pro-Choice Caucus, I oppose this and other attempts to expand restrictions on reproductive care. We cannot allow this type of antichoice language to keep appearing in what is otherwise important legislation.

Today, it is in legislation to further medical research. Before, it was in legislation to fund community health centers and to protect victims of trafficking. Allowing this policy to move forward will move women's health care backward. We cannot allow these attacks to continue.

Representatives Lee, Clarke, and Schakowsky have offered an amendment to strike this destructive antichoice language. Today, I offer them my strong support.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of their amendment and to also insist that we need to stop injecting the Hyde language into parts of law it doesn't belong.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Mimi Walters).

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the 21st Century Cures Act. This bill is a bold proposal that would accelerate our scientists' ability to develop lifesaving cures. Our need for action is now. Currently, more than 10,000 known diseases exist in the world; however, we only have treatments for approximately 500.

In my district of southern California, 4-year-old Callan Mullins was born with a severe congenital heart defect. He has undergone four open heart surgeries, suffered numerous strokes, been diagnosed with cerebral palsy; and at the age of 3, doctors delivered the heartbreaking news that he had a brain tumor.

Callan is a fighter and a survivor, but his parents are still seeking answers and medical breakthroughs to ensure that he can live life to its fullest. The Cures Act would offer hope to the millions of Americans like Callan battling devastating illnesses.

I thank Chairman Fred Upton for his tireless work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to stand with me as we pave the way for lifesaving treatments and cures.

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