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Friday, October 30, 2015

Looking into 21st Century Cures Act Nays Part 1

Seventy-seven U.S. Congress representatives cast votes against the 21st Century Cures Act when it came before the House of Representatives in July. Of course, that is not enough against to kill the bill and it is currently sitting with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. No action has been taken on this bill since July.
   But, those 77 who voted against it - why? I know a lot of people are saying that this will revert the medical industry back to the dark ages and the government will not be able to protect people as well if it passes. I am having a hard time buying that. The biggest aspect of this bill for me is giving cures and treatments swifter pathways to people who need them. How can that be so wrong? Of course, bills need tweaking and amendments need to be added, but the gist of this bill is a good thing.
   So, how can they vote against it? I've been peeking in to the representatives who voted against and I would like to present what I have found. I am only looking at the top five contributors and industries in their last campaigns, trying to see if they have gotten any financial help from the healthcare or pharmaceutical sectors. Part 1 will consist of representatives whose last names begin with A and B. This series will be broken down alphabetically so as not to get too long.
1) Justin Amash (R - Michigan)
   Top contributor:
   Amway (which sells health care products) - $6,400
2) Brian Babin (R - Texas)
   Top contributing industry:
   Health Professionals - $47,690
3) Diane Black (R - Tennessee)
   Top contributor:
   Alston & Bird (law firm that advocates for health care providers) - $7,000
   Top contributing industries:
   Health Professionals: $49,250

   Pharmaceuticals: $27,000
   Health Services: $15,000
4) Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R - Louisiana)
   Top contributors:
   Acadian Companies (company that specializes in ambulance and air med services) - $13,550
   Adams & Reese (law firm that specializes in pharmaceutical defense) - $12,350
   Top contributing industries:
   Health Professionals - $91,650
5) Dave Brat (R - Virginia)
   Nothing extraordinary found in the narrow margin.
6) James Bridenstine (R - Oklahoma)
   Top contributor:
   Robert H. Zoellner (optometrist) - $5,400
   Top contributing industry:
   Health Professionals - $32,050
7) Mo Brooks (R - Alabama)
   Top contributor:
   Alabama Pain Center - $5,400
8) Kenneth R. Buck (R - Colorado)
   Nothing extraordinary found in the narrow margin.
9) Bradley Byrne (R - Alabama)
   Top contributor:

   HealthSouth Corps - $5,400

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