Boehner says FDA bill is about jobs

{mosads}The bill is slated to come to the floor under suspension of the House rules, which requires a two-thirds majority for passage. The bill has wide support; it passed the Energy and Commerce Committee by a voice vote, and the Senate cleared its version last week 96-1.

In addition to reauthorizing existing user fees, the bill would create new fees, including one for companies that make generic drugs, and would make several changes to the FDA’s regulatory processes. Those changes would help the agency more quickly review potentially life-saving drugs while also bolstering oversight of potential safety issues.

“The legislation … includes reforms to ensure patients receive quality care and timely access to new therapies while promoting innovation and job creation,” Boehner said ahead of the House vote Wednesday.

He also noted that the House plans to vote next week on a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act’s tax on medical-device makers, which he also framed as a jobs bill, saying the tax makes it harder for small device firms to hire new workers.