[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 175 (Tuesday, December 6, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6717-S6718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     LEGISLATION BEFORE THE SENATE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, yesterday the Senate voted 
overwhelmingly to take the next step in the 21st Century Cures Act, 
bipartisan legislation to bolster medical innovation.
  This legislation promotes critical investments in research and 
treatment development. It helps cut through unnecessary regulations 
that would hinder the development of cures while also protecting 
safety. It builds upon the progress of innovative therapies and 
regenerative medicine.
  This legislation puts patients first, it helps strengthen the kind of 
research and treatments needed to cure the most devastating diseases, 
and it includes provisions to help enhance mental health programs and 
to provide funding to help fight opioid abuse.
  I have heard from health professionals across my State who have 
expressed the impact this legislation can make, from the Kentucky 
Hospital Association to the University of Kentucky, our State's largest 
research university.
  This bill, the U.K. president says, reflects the ``growing support 
from Congress for increased investment in research that addresses the 
compelling questions of our day.'' I will be pleased to welcome U.K. 
President Capilouto to the Capitol this morning. He says Cures is one 
example of how the university will be better equipped ``to improve the 
lives of those in our Commonwealth.''
  We know this bill wouldn't have been possible without Chairman 
Alexander's ceaseless efforts, alongside Ranking Member Murray, to 
drive it forward.
  We thank them both, as well as Members such as Senator Cornyn, 
Senator Hatch, and Senator Cassidy, who have all endeavored to make the 
bill the strongest it could be.
  I also recognize my friend Vice President Biden--who joined us 
yesterday--for his efforts to include his Cancer Moonshot issue in the 
package. This is an issue that hits close to home for the Vice 
President, as we all know. He has been a leading voice in supporting 
efforts to strengthen cancer research and to find a cure. I am pleased 
we will pass this legislation soon so we can begin to put its 
provisions to work on behalf of American families.
  On the other important issues before the Senate, I have spoken with 
the Speaker on a number of occasions about an issue facing coal miner 
retirees, such as those I represent in Kentucky, and have insisted that 
the CR include a provision to address that issue so these retirees 
don't lose their health care benefits at the end of the year. We hope 
to have a final bill to share with Members soon, and we look

[[Page S6718]]

forward to turning to it as soon as possible after House action. I will 
have more on that later.
  We are also working to wrap up a number of conference reports, 
including for the Defense authorization bill and the Water Resources 
Development Act.
  Last night I took the next step on the Defense conference report so 
we can pass it this week. This legislation will provide more of the 
tools servicemembers need to take on national security challenges, help 
strengthen our military posture, and support our men and women in 
uniform with the benefits and pay raises they have earned.
  I hope the Senate will also take the next step soon on the Water 
Resources Development Act conference report. This water resources 
conference report will invest in our Nation's waterways infrastructure, 
enhance commerce, and support safe and reliable water sources to 
prevent future situations, such as the one we saw in Flint, MI. To that 
point, this bill also includes assistance for families such as those in 
Flint who have already been impacted by lead poisoning.

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