December 4, 2016
Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

Helping Find Cures Now


There are 10,000 known diseases with 7,000 of them considered to be rare. Of those 10,000 diseases, we only have known cures for around 500. Simply put, this must change. On Wednesday, the House took action to accomplish that with House passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. This bill, which passed with nearly 400 votes, includes increased funding for medical research and development, removes barriers that block greater medical innovation, reforms our nation's mental health system, and also includes funds to combat opioid abuse. This is a bill that gives so many Americans, suffering through incurable diseases, hope that we can find a cure. You can read more about passage of this bill here via the Gaston Gazette. Additionally you can read my full statement on Wednesday's vote by clicking on the image below.




The Path to Cures


House passage of the 21st Century Cures Act was not accomplished overnight. The idea for the bill was the result of bipartisan conversations between members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who recognized that we must do more to help Americans suffering from these incurable diseases. The Cures Act also included ideas first hatched by Vice President Joe Biden as part of his 'cancer moonshot.' This bill is a great illustration that bipartisan compromises are still possible. To learn more about the #Path2Cures, click on the image below to watch a brief video on the bill's progress through Congress. Additionally, you can learn more about the Cures Act and its broad support here.

 

Ensuring Our Troops Have the Resources They Need


We live in a dangerous world with multiple conflicts in the Middle East and regimes hostile to our values leading countries in Europe and Asia. We rely upon our military and the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who serve to keep us safe. On Friday, the House passed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act to ensure our troops have the resources they need to get the job done.

This bill--which passed with wide bipartisan support--boosts base funding, closes the readiness gap, and maintains the existing ban on transferring Guantanamo Bay detainees to American soil. Most importantly, it provides our men and women in uniform with the biggest pay raise they've received in six years. You can learn more about the NDAA by clicking here and you can read my full statement on passage by clicking on the image below. 



What I Have Been Reading

Gatlinburg wildfire death toll still at 13

Asheville Citizen-Times

The news out of eastern Tennessee this week is devastating. The immense loss of life and complete destruction left behind by wildfires is a horrific tragedy. Giulia and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the families of those lost, all those injured, and to the entire community in Gatlinburg as they begin the painful process of rebuilding.  


Military mom gives sons surprise hugs

Gaston Gazette


It is hard to beat stories like the one above, especially around the holidays. Our military men and women make such tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation. They miss family birthdays, holidays, and other important life events. It is heartwarming to see stories like this one from Grier Middle of a military mom coming home. 


The 26 Hottest Food Cities of 2016

Zagat

Asheville has long been known for being one of America's best (I'd argue the best) craft beer cities but now its also gaining a national reputation as destination for food. It is very cool to see the Tenth District city making this list, where they are recognized as the seventh hottest food city of 2016. 

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