Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, today issued the following statement in response to the release of the initial discussion document that outlines proposals that are part of the 21st Century Cures initiative, which includes 10 measures that originated in Burgess’ office:

“As a physician, my mission first and foremost is to find methods and treatments that will help alleviate human pain and suffering,” Burgess said. “Our 21st Century Cures initiative is one of the most comprehensive legislative concepts the Energy and Commerce Committee has ever taken on. I am pleased that the projects I have worked on – such as neurological research legislation, access to materials for physicians and interoperability standards for Electronic Health Records – are part of this effort.”

The 21st Century Cures initiative is an effort to take a comprehensive look at what steps the Congress can take to accelerate the pace of cures in America. It examines the full arc of the process, from discovery to development to delivery, to ensure we are taking full advantage of the advances made in science and technology to keep America the innovation capital of the world. 

Last week, Burgess introduced three pieces of legislation as part of the Cures initiative. More information may be found here, here and here. 

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