Senate Poised To Vote On Cures Bill; Headed To Likely Enactment This Term

Following House passage of a combined House/Senate 21st Century Cures package Nov. 30, the Senate will take up the bill on Dec. 5 or 6, said Senate HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., who shepherded a similar package of medical innovation bills through the committee earlier this year. While some Democrats remain vocal in opposing the bill based on worries that it will water-down FDA safety protections and funding concerns, the House vote showed lopsided support, and the Senate is expected to pass it and the president to sign.