The House has approved a sweeping biomedical bill that the lame-duck Congress hopes to send to President Barack Obama next week.
The $6.3 billion measure would help drug and medical device manufacturers win swifter government approval of their products. It would increase spending for federal disease research at the National Institutes of Health and for drug abuse efforts, and overhaul mental health programs.
Wednesday's House vote was 392-26.
Consumer groups and some Democrats say the measure's streamlining of Food and Drug Administration approval processes is dangerous for patients.
But the bill is a compromise backed by the White House, Republicans and many Democrats and seems likely to pass the Senate next week.
The Obama administration and supportive Democrats say the bill's advances outweigh its weaknesses.
Advertisement
House OKs Medical Research, Drug Approval Bill
Advertisement
Latest National & World
National & World
Apr. 29, 2023
National & World
Jun. 04, 2021
National & World
Mar. 15, 2021
National & World
Mar. 13, 2021
National & World
Mar. 10, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Read >
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest National & World
National & World
Apr. 29, 2023
National & World
Jun. 04, 2021
National & World
Mar. 15, 2021
National & World
Mar. 13, 2021
National & World
Mar. 10, 2021
Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT