FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Following is a statement by Mary Sue Coleman, president of the Association of American Universities, on today’s Senate passage of the 21st Century Cures Act.
We commend the Senate for today’s passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, and the House for its earlier action. At a time when bipartisanship is a rare commodity, this bill affirms the resolve across party and ideological lines to find cures for devastating illnesses and strengthen investment in American research and innovation.
Importantly, the measure also includes support for young investigators and regulatory changes, long encouraged by AAU, to increase efficiency of research administration. We also welcome the creation of a federal Research Policy Board to examine harmonization of existing regulations.
We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to fulfill the promise of 21st Century Cures.
AAU thanks Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) for their unwavering support of investments at the National Institutes of Health. AAU also thanks the strong House proponents of the 21st Century Cures Act, Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO).