NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) addressed the Health Subcommittee markup of 19 legislative proposals aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of patients and caregivers. Guthrie expressed that the bills presented will have a positive impact on various aspects of healthcare, stating, "The legislation before us today will help to detect, diagnose, and treat chronic diseases and health conditions at earlier stages, improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families, help ensure Americans in rural communities have access to life-saving care, and provide additional resources to assist in the development of cutting-edge innovation."

Guthrie highlighted specific bills, including the 'BOLD Act,' emphasizing, "To help better detect, diagnose, and treat Alzheimer’s Disease, I am proud we are marking up my bipartisan bill, H.R. 7218, the Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act of 2024, or the ‘BOLD Act.’" He also acknowledged the importance of supporting caregivers in the fight against Alzheimer's, stating, "These continued investments for caregivers are even more important now that we have treatments to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s."

Another initiative discussed was the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, which Guthrie mentioned will advance research on Down syndrome, stating, "The INCLUDE Project will continue to facilitate improved coordination across NIH and build upon research that will improve the quality of life for those individuals living with Down syndrome."

Guthrie also addressed the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, led by Representative Cammack, which aims to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in need of organ transplants. He commended Charlotte Woodward for her advocacy in breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities seeking life-saving treatments.

Furthermore, Guthrie discussed additional bills focused on improving access to emergency services for children and individuals in rural areas. He mentioned the SIREN Reauthorization Act and the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act, highlighting their importance in providing essential resources for emergency health providers and ensuring proper care for children in emergency situations.

In conclusion, Guthrie expressed gratitude towards his colleagues for their efforts in advancing the legislation and their leadership on healthcare policies, stating, "Thank you to all of my colleagues who worked hard to get the legislation before us today and for their leadership on these policies."