Putting Patients First

“This week we’re paving the way toward patient-centered health care reforms.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, at a Republican leadership press conference, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) emphasized the 21^st Century Cures Initiative, which will empower innovation in Eastern Washington—and across America—to find cures for thousands of diseases, prioritizing positive outcomes for patients.  

Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:
“Good morning! As we advance important legislation this week to promote American medical innovation, I want to remind you of who we are fighting for. For the parents whose son was diagnosed with Autism; for the double amputee waiting for that new prosthetic; and for the 67-year old woman who just came home with breast cancer—this work is for them. So this week we’re paving the way toward patient-centered health care reforms—reforms that put people—not Washington, D.C. bureaucrats—in the drivers’ seats of their health care decisions.

“Part of that effort is the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Initiative, which I’m proud to say will expedite the development and discovery of new treatments and cures for millions of people across this country. You know, of 7000 known diseases, we have discovered cures for only 500 of them. The work we’re doing here in Congress—to invest in research and development and advance real medical innovation right here at home—will change that. And it all starts by doing one thing: putting patients first.

“Our votes this week will extend far beyond the House floor. They’ll reach doctors’ offices and hospital rooms and homes across America. That is how we will achieve real 21st-century health care reform—and I’m proud to help champion that effort.”

Click to Play