Political Quotes

“I thank the Senator. It is my understanding that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has in its health provisions $1.1 billion in new funds for comparative clinical effectiveness research. This is an important issue to me as HELP Committee ranking member. I am pleased to see that in its consideration of this bill, the Appropriations Committee made sure this research will evaluate comparative clinical effectiveness, not comparative cost-effectiveness. In addition, the committee's report language references provisions of the existing comparative effectiveness research program at HHS that ensure that the agency developing comparative information does not use it to set national practice standards or coverage restrictions. I also believe that comparative effectiveness research must be conducted using an open and transparent process, and must consider differences in how people respond to treatment. It is my understanding that the Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2008, which you introduced with Senator Conrad last Congress, is consistent with these principles. I would like to see the $1.1 billion used consistently with these principles, and ask that you advocate for these principles in conference.”