Cathy McMorris Rodgers - Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Cathy McMorris Rodgers - Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
The House of Representatives has passed eight bills under the jurisdiction of the Health Subcommittee. These bills, which received bipartisan support, are intended to improve patient access to healthcare and support services.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) commented on the legislative progress, stating: "These bipartisan bills will help patients access the care and support they need. I commend the bill sponsors for their leadership and our Committee Members for working to prepare them for consideration by the full House."
Among the legislation passed is S. Amdt. to H.R. 7213, known as the AUTISM Cares Act of 2024, spearheaded by Reps. Smith (R-NJ) and Cuellar (D-TX). The act was approved in the House with a vote of 374 – 15 after previously passing unanimously in the Senate; it now awaits presidential approval.
Another significant bill is H.R. 7224, aimed at amending the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a health and wellness training program. This legislation was led by Reps. Cohen (D-TN) and Carter (R-GA) and passed without opposition.
S. 223, designed to correct a technical error in definitions within the Controlled Substances Act, also passed unanimously in both chambers and is now pending presidential action. The House version was led by Reps. Burchett (R-TN) and Cohen (D-TN).
Other notable bills include H.R. 4534, focusing on women's lung cancer research; H.R. 7188 concerning human cell and tissue product safety; H.R. 6020 promoting living organ donor recognition; H.R. 670 establishing a database initiative called Think Differently; and S. 1351 targeting institutional child abuse prevention.
Each of these pieces of legislation reflects concerted efforts from both Republican and Democratic representatives to address pressing health-related issues through comprehensive policy measures.