U.S. House of Representatives Passes Right to Try
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act of 2018. Congressman Andy Biggs, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Victor Riches with the Goldwater Institute, Jason Pye with FreedomWorks, Andrew Clark with Americans for Prosperity, and Laura McLinn released the following statements:
"I am pleased that the House of Representatives passed Right to Try today, giving terminally ill patients the freedom to save their lives. This was a bipartisan cause and evidence that Republicans and Democrats can rally together to better the lives of our fellow Americans. I'm thankful for all of the leaders and advocates who championed this policy, including President Trump, Vice President Pence, Senator Johnson, Congressman Fitzpatrick, and Chairman Walden. It was an honor to help lead this effort, and I look forward to its Senate passage."– Congressman Andy Biggs
"After years of debate, discussion and negotiation, today, the House of Representatives showed today what has always been clear to me and those I represent: that the Right to Try is a common sense, bipartisan measure that gives American patients and families facing an unimaginable situation the opportunity to fight for their lives or the lives of their loved one. For those patients caught between the traditional drug approval delays, a clinical trial process for which they do not qualify, and limited time, this Right to Try simply establishes the freedom for patients to try therapies in situations where the benefits far outweigh the risks. With the House's vote, both chambers have now showed that Right to Try can pass with bipartisan support. I stand with my colleagues at the forefront of this issue, Representative Biggs and Senator Johnson, in demanding that Right to Try – in any form – must make it to the president's desk to be signed into law." – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the ALS Caucus
"Congressman Biggs' leadership on Right to Try started in Arizona four years ago and has culminated in this amazing victory for patients. Millions of terminally ill Americans will benefit from his tenacity in raising awareness of this issue. His work could literally mean the difference between life and death for some patients and we are proud to stand alongside him tonight."– Victor Riches, President, Goldwater Institute
"States have proven that they are the laboratories of policy innovation. There's no better example of this than Right to Try. Nearly 40 states have passed Right to Try laws, allowing terminally-ill patients access to experimental drugs that could save their lives. This groundswell of support in the states has finally spurred action in the House. The right to try is the right to hope, and it's long past time for Congress to get this done. For many patients and their families, there may not be much time left." – Jason Pye, Vice President of Legislative Affairs, FreedomWorks
"We commend Representative Biggs for fighting for the millions of patients across the country suffering with terminal illnesses and running out of options. When our loved ones are in harm's way, we can't wait for Washington to take action. Arizonans and American patients facing the most dire circumstances deserve the right to save their lives. Representative Biggs has been instrumental in advancing this legislation through Congress and we hope this bill moves quickly to the President's desk for his signature." – Andrew Clark, Arizona State Director, Americans for Prosperity
"My son, Jordan, and I were fortunate to advocate for the passage of Right to Try. He's one of the ‘lucky ones' right now who is receiving an experimental treatment through a clinical trial. We're excited that other patients with life-threatening diseases will have an additional pathway to access treatments when there are no other options. The House did the right thing today by giving terminally ill patients hope." – Laura McLinn
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