21st Century Cures

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives, with strong bipartisan support, passed H.R. 6, 21st Century Cures Act. Upon passage, Maine’s Second District Congressman Bruce Poliquin released the following statement:

“For more than half a century, America has led the world in medical research and innovation.  

“Health research facilities, such as Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor and the Mount Desert Island Laboratory, are essential in keeping America the global leader in medical research.  It’s critical that these institutions, and those across our nation, are fully supported.

“To that end, I am proud to have voted in support of the 21st Century Cures Act as it will help provide more resources in a fiscally responsible manner to these engines of health research in Hancock County.

“The Cures Act also focuses on Young Scientists so that Jackson Labs and MDI Biological Labs can attract and retain our next generation of researchers who may be able to develop cures and treatments for diseases. The bill provides new incentives to help expedite the development of therapies for Rare and Life threatening diseases.

“Most importantly, It also modernizes clinical trials so the FDA can get results faster and therefore, be able to approve drugs that help. This is an important step in making America, not China, the continued leader in medical innovation.

“I am pleased to see this commonsense, lifesaving bill pass the House with strong bipartisan support, as it will help protect jobs, provide more resources and, most importantly, save lives.”