Larson Votes for Bipartisan Funding to Enhance Biomedical Research, Improve Mental Health Services, and Combat the Opioid Crisis
Washington – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after voting for the comprehensive, bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act:
“Our nation has been in the grips of an epidemic, and Americans battling opioid and heroin addiction need help. Throughout the year, I’ve joined Rep. Joe Courtney in calling for funds to provide more Americans with a chance at recovery. While this bill alone is not an instant fix, it is certainly a step in the right direction, and I will keep fighting to make sure no one who wants help with their addiction can ever be turned away.
“This legislation also contains important reforms to our nation’s mental health system that Sen. Chris Murphy authored. Sen. Murphy has led the fight to reform the system and enact bipartisan measures to ensure individuals and families have the resources they need to live full, healthy lives. Thanks to his efforts and this bill, we will be able to establish new research programs and early interventions, strengthen suicide prevention efforts, and promote transparency in the mental health system.
“This is not a perfect bill, and I am especially disappointed that the higher levels of dedicated funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from the House version of the 21st Century Cures legislation were not preserved. It is also troubling to see that this bill is partially offset by removing funds from the Public Health and Prevention Fund. Even though it is not as robust as I believe it should have been, the bill does however provide for new investments in the NIH to enhance our efforts in combating disease and developing cures. While there were other changes and improvements that I believe could have made this an even stronger bill, I believe that ultimately it will provide a tremendous benefit for families across our nation.”
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