Washington, D.C. – Today, the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will be holding a markup that will include four pieces of legislation put forward by Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX). These pieces of legislation are included in H.R. 7667, the Food and Drug Amendments of 2022 and H.R. 7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022.
“It is critical that we learn from the many lessons the pandemic taught us,” said Burgess. “Energy and Commerce is currently evaluating the reauthorization of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and as legislators it is critical that we facilitate transparency, urgency, innovation, and trust within FDA to prevent a “Groundhog Day” repeat.”
“Operation Warp Speed opened our eyes to the need to cut bureaucratic red tape and streamline the process for developing new vaccines and treatments. To build off the success of Operation Warp Speed, I introduced the FACTS Act to provide clarity to the FDA, empowering the agency to consider real-world evidence generated during an Emergency Use Authorization for an application’s final approval.
“We also saw the importance of having a health care system that is cyber secure. My bipartisan legislation, the PATCH Act, will implement the necessary cybersecurity protocols and procedures for manufacturers applying for premarket approval through FDA to ensure that users are properly equipped to deal with foreign or domestic ransomware attacks.
“It is important that we modernize research and development, including addressing the gaps for gathering data for cell and gene therapies. By implementing my proposal to have a public workshop on the best practices in research development, the FDA can ensure that the latest medical products come to market faster.
“Lastly, having practiced medicine for nearly three decades, I witnessed the joy and toll of pregnancy on mothers. It is important that we establish simple steps to ensure mothers are able to receive not only the physical health care they need, but also mental health care. My bipartisan legislation, Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health Act, will help provide solutions and access to mental health resources for mothers who are facing postpartum depression.
“I am grateful that these four pieces of legislation are being brought before the subcommittee today. My hope and desire is that they will quickly make their to floor for final passage.”
