North Austin News

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) spoke on the House floor in support of his bill, the Give Kids a Chance Act. The legislation, which passed the House shortly after McCaul's remarks, will authorize the FDA to direct drug companies researching combination drug therapies for adults to also research combination therapies for children.

"As the founder of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, 15 years ago, I’ve met with countless cancer patients and advocates who have asked me for one thing: to give the kids a chance," said McCaul.

McCaul emphasized that this bill aims to provide children with better and safer treatments and ultimately help eradicate childhood cancer. He noted that the bill directs drug companies researching adult combination drug therapies to also research them for children where appropriate.

"This will allow us to treat children the same as we treat adults," he stated. With 235 cosponsors, McCaul highlighted that this legislation is one of Congress's most bipartisan bills.

"There’s nothing partisan or political about a child with cancer," he added.

McCaul thanked several colleagues for their assistance in advancing this legislation, including Mr. Bilirakis from Florida, Mrs. Ana Eshoo from California, Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, and Mr. Frank Pallone.

Included in this legislation is another bill by McCaul called the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act. First passed in 2012, it created the Pediatric Priority Review Voucher Program within the FDA to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop cancer treatments for children.

"Since its inception in 2012, 53 vouchers have been awarded for treatments of 39 different rare pediatric diseases — 36 of which previously had no FDA-approved treatments," said McCaul.

He cited Dr. Allison from MD Anderson in Texas as an example of someone who used this voucher program successfully to obtain FDA approval for CAR-T immunotherapy treatment. Dr. Allison received a Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work on immunotherapy.

"This bill will reauthorize that successful program for another five years," McCaul announced.

Reflecting on his efforts over the past 15 years since founding the Childhood Cancer Caucus, McCaul expressed pride in giving children a voice in Congress and acknowledged patient advocates like Sadie Keller and Sophie Ryan among others who have tirelessly supported this cause.

"I am proud that my colleagues have come together in a bipartisan spirit to do what is right for our children," concluded McCaul before yielding back his time on the House floor.