Political Quotes

“I want to thank Chairman Walden; Mr. Burgess; Mr. Griffith; my friend, Andy Biggs; and Senator Ron Johnson for their resolute commitment to see the Right to Try Act brought to a vot today. Mr. Speaker, each year, thousands of Americans receive the devastating diagnosis of a terminal illness. And even with the amazing work done in American medical research and development, for too many families, access to these potentially lifesaving treatments will come too late or not at all. As their Representatives, we should each endeavor to support these individuals in their time of need as well as support new pathways to potentially lifesaving treatment. That is what the right to try is all about. As the chairman indicated, 38 States have passed this bill with near unanimous, bipartisan support. A version of this bill unanimously passed the United States Senate. However, we know Congress cannot legislate miracles. That is why, when talking about the right to try, we are careful not to represent it as a cure itself. The reality is that, while passing this measure is a step, the families and advocates we have worked closely with for years know that the right to try isn't a guarantee. It is about protecting hope and protecting opportunity--hope and opportunity for those like my constituent, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Bellina, a retired naval aviator and father of three, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2014. Following the onset of his symptoms, Matt was grounded from flying.…”