Washington, DC-Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today voted for successful passage of the bipartisan 21^st Century Cures Act, which dedicates $6.3 billion over 10 years for key biomedical priorities, including research for cures and treatments for disease and illness, as well as comprehensive mental health reform.

“My vote today is for people like 8-year old Max Schill of Williamstown who has an RASopathy called Noonan Syndrome, for teenager Grace D’Amico of Gloucester County who has Cystic Fibrosis, and for so many others living with debilitating and incurable ailments, said Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01). “I’ve gotten to know Max and Grace and their families, and so many others who will benefit from next-generation research & treatment for their conditions. This investment has the potential to save many lives.”

The 21^st Century Cures Act includes an additional $4.8 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop innovative, cutting-edge biomedical treatments and cures for disease and illness, $500 million in funding for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to modernize clinical trials to support the discovery of medical breakthroughs and accelerate the flow of safe and vital life-saving drugs and other medical treatments to patients clinging to hope for their health and their futures.

Additionally, the 21^st Century Cures Act will dedicate $1.8 billion to Vice President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, $1 billion over two years to combat the nation’s prescription opioid epidemic, and adds provisions to improve mental health services . Funds from this Act will also strengthen the nation’s economy, by supporting hundreds of thousands of research-related jobs across the United States.

“My vote today represents a vote for a healthier and stronger America. And this legislation provides critical assistance and resources as our nation battles the disease of addiction and the deadly heroin & opioid epidemic affecting so many of our family members, friends, and neighbors,” said Rep. Norcross.

The 21^st Century Cures Act, which previously passed by an overwhelming and bipartisan majority of the House in 2015, has the support of agencies that advocate for treatments and cures of life-threatening, incurable, and chronic illnesses. As a Member of the Budget Committee, Rep. Norcross authored an amendment to add additional funding for the National Institutes of Health.

Rep. Norcross is a member of the Rare Disease Caucus and the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic.