Press Release

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. voted for the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act today. The bill, which passed (344-77) will help scientists develop new treatments and cures for some of our deadliest diseases faster and boost biomedical innovation.

The legislation not only helps streamline the process the Food and Drug Administration uses for approving new drugs and treatments to get them to patients more quickly, it also increases funding for the National Institute of Health, which funds a large portion of our federal medical research, helping give certainty to researchers who depend on it.

"The 21st Century Cures Act is a big step forward in bringing lifesaving cures to millions of Americans and I'm glad Democrats and Republicans have come together to support critical health care investments. As a doctor, I've seen too many sick patients with no place to turn, and I believe this bill will help bring new, innovative treatments to people who desperately need them.

I'm disappointed, however, with the last minute addition of political restrictions in the bill. All women, no matter their financial situation, should be able to make the health care choices that work for them, and that's why I'm supporting the EACH Act to ensure constitutional rights belong to everyone."

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. represents Sacramento County. Born and raised in California, Bera is a physician and the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. He's fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families and to reduce our country's debt in a responsible way. One of Bera's first acts in Congress was to help lead the effort to pass the No Budget No Pay Act, which says if members of Congress don't pass a budget, they don't get paid. As a leader of the No Labels' Problem Solvers, he's working with people from both parties to find bipartisan solutions to our nation's challenges. He and his wife Janine live in Elk Grove with their daughter Sydra. For more updates on Rep. Bera follow @RepBera on Twitter, like Congressman Bera on Facebook, or visit https://www.bera.house.gov.

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