Medical Research News

There are no records to display that match the provided criteria.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) – chairman and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security with jurisdiction over the health and safety of US Olympic and NCAA athletes – have referred former U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun for investigation of potential violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1001 and 1505.

The Subcommittee referred Blackmun to Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray, citing Blackmun’s “materially false statements contained in his written testimony to the Subcommittee during the course of the Subcommittee’s investigation.

“The Subcommittee takes its oversight role seriously, and it appears that Mr. Blackmun has made false claims and misled our Subcommittee – harming the investigation and ability to develop policy,” said Sens. Moran and Blumenthal. “Just as importantly, survivors of abuse have had to wait longer for the truth and longer for systemic changes to help prevent others from similar injury.”

Items to Note:

  • Blackmun was invited to testify before the Subcommittee’s June 5, 2018 hearing. However, due to ongoing medical treatment for prostate cancer, Blackmun instead provided a statement for the record and answered subsequent questions from Subcommittee members for the record.  In his written remarks to the Subcommittee, Blackmun highlighted the following actions, in part, he took as CEO of USOC regarding the response to accusations against Nassar:
    • “. . . Mr. Penny told me that after interviewing three athletes and the team doctor, they were concerned [Nassar’s] ‘treatments’ were not legitimate. Mr. Penny said that he was going to report this to law enforcement, a decision I fully supported. Mr. Penny also told me that the doctor would no longer have contact with athletes. I spoke to the USOC’s safe sport staff after talking to Mr. Penny. My understanding was that reporting the doctor to law enforcement was the most aggressive thing that could be done. I also understood that once it was reported, the issue should be left in the hands of law enforcement—we did not want to interfere with their investigation in any way."
  • The law firm, Ropes & Gray LLP, was retained by USOC on February 2, 2018 to conduct an independent investigation of USOC. On December 10, 2018, Ropes & Gray released its final report, containing information that contradicts Blackmun’s written statement provided to the Subcommittee on June 5, 2018.
    • According to the report, Mr. Blackmun told the independent investigators that, in or about September 2015, he engaged a group of USOC staff, possibly including the USOC Director of Ethics and SafeSport, because he “wanted to make sure that we were doing everything that we should be doing in response and that our response was appropriate.”
    • However, independent investigators found no supporting evidence of this follow-up meeting. After being confronted with this information, Blackmun recanted his earlier assertion that this engagement took place.
  • The results of the independent investigation and Blackmun’s own statements to the independent investigators appear to contradict his statement to the Subcommittee that he “spoke to the USOC’s safe sport staff after talking to Penny.” According to the independent investigators, Blackmun did not speak with Safe Sport staff or any other USOC personnel outside of former Chief of Sport Performance, Alan Ashley, after learning from then-USAG President and CEO Steve Penny about Nassar and the subsequent report to the FBI.

###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after voting in favor of the Yemen War Powers resolution, S.J. Res. 54:

“I voted today to end America’s involvement in the war in Yemen, and I’m pleased the Senate took decisive and thoughtful action to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority in an effort to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen. I am certain this will be a matter of debate early in the next Congress, and I will continue to support promoting peace and security on the Arabian Peninsula.”

Items to Note:

  • Last month, Sen. Moran voted to advance S.J. Res 54 from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which was agreed to 63-37.
  • In March, Sen. Moran voted to proceed to consideration of S. J. Res. 54. It failed 55-44.
  • Sen. Moran has also joined letters to the Administration expressing concern regarding the humanitarian impact of the siege of Hudaydah, Yemen, as well as questioning the certification of Saudi compliance with American law.

# # #

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) applauded the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Incentive-Based Universal Service Support order, approved unanimously this week, that will increase federal investment in rural broadband throughout Kansas and across the country. The FCC’s order will give small rural broadband providers the certainty and resources they need to increase access to high-speed broadband networks in rural communities and further close the digital divide that puts too many at an economic disadvantage in today’s digital-based economy. 

“Access to technology – especially in rural and underserved areas – unlocks an array of opportunity for businesses, students and families alike,” said Sen. Moran. “Whether it’s a farmer trying to expand their business, an individual managing their finances online, or students and teachers utilizing information on the internet as a classroom tool, broadband and technology matter. I am pleased the FCC acknowledges the real need to quickly deploy broadband to the communities that need it most, and I remain committed to working to make certain Kansans have the tools they need to get ahead.”

“Following the investment in rural communities included in the Farm Bill, the FCC, under fellow Kansan Chairman Ajit Pai’s leadership, is continuing to make it easier for people in the hardest to reach communities access reliable high-speed broadband services,” said Sen. Roberts. “Expanding these services in rural areas will make it easier for farmers to operate their businesses with greater efficiency and improve yields, students to further their education with online classes, patients to access remote health care services from the comfort of their homes, and so much more. This will help lessen the urban-rural divide by bringing internet services to rural areas who are all too often years behind their urban counterparts.”

This order is also supported by rural Kansas broadband providers.

“Today’s action at the FCC represents acknowledgement of the importance for all rural Kansans to have access to robust, reliable and affordable broadband. The Universal Service Fund plays a critical role; making possible active engagement for all Kansans in our 21st century economy, education and healthcare,” said Wilson Communications CEO Brian Boisvert.

“I am pleased with today’s FCC decision to address the insufficient universal service fund budget and remove regulatory uncertainty. Sufficient and predictable universal service fund support helps rural broadband providers like Pioneer Communications deploy networks and keep rural areas connected. I am deeply grateful to Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran for their leadership and constant engagement in working toward the order approved today by the FCC. I am also appreciative of the FCC itself for adopting today’s order, especially of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a Parsons, Kansas native who knows well what it means to live and serve in rural Kansas. In rural Kansas, like all of rural America, high-speed broadband helps create jobs, boosts economic growth, increases opportunities for education, and improves access to healthcare. The small rural telecom providers in Kansas hope today’s order will allow us to focus more fully again on the business of delivering broadband to the benefit of Kansas consumers and businesses,” said Pioneer Communications General Manager & CEO Catherine Moyer.

Last year, Sens. Roberts and Moran along with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led a bipartisan letter to the FCC to ensure its commitment to affordable and reliable broadband for rural communities.

###

Sen. Moran Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Make Life-Saving Oral Cancer Medications More Affordable

Legislation Would Make Certain Oral Cancer Drugs are Covered in Same Way as Traditional IV Chemotherapy

Dec 12 2018

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) today introduced the Cancer Drug Parity Act to make certain oral cancer drugs are covered in the same way as traditional (IV) chemotherapy to bring down costs for Americans battling cancer. The Cancer Drug Parity Act, which is co-sponsored by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), is needed to make certain the way health care covers cancer treatment catches up to the advances in oral cancer medications.

Currently, over 40 states – including Kansas – have passed “oral parity” laws that stop insurers from charging more for prescribed oral cancer medicine than IV chemotherapy. The Cancer Drug Parity Act would build on this work by expanding these protections at the federal level.

“Individuals suffering from cancer deserve the best treatment options available through their insurance,” said Sen. Moran. “As the number of oral cancer drugs increase each year, patients ought to be able to immediately benefit from these medical advancements. This sensible legislation would keep health insurance on pace with the latest cancer treatments, build on laws already implemented in 43 states and expand cancer coverage for oral drugs for 100 million individuals covered through group and individual health plans. I am a strong supporter of medical research to find new treatments, therapies and cures, and I am working to make certain these exciting new treatments can reach cancer patients and ultimately save lives.”

The Cancer Drug Parity Act is supported by more than 30 organizations, including The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“Many patients face obstacles when accessing oral chemotherapy drugs,” said Director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center and President of the Association of American Cancer Institutes Dr. Roy Jensen, which represents 98 academic cancer centers across North America. “At a time when developments in cancer care are advancing rapidly, it is essential for cancer centers like ours to provide patients with access to the best treatment. For some patients, there are no viable alternatives to oral chemotherapy drugs, which often come with high out-of-pocket costs. Oral chemotherapy is a priority for KU Cancer Center and for AACI, and we are delighted that Senators Moran and Smith are introducing this much-needed legislation.”

“Science is dramatically changing the way cancer is treated. Even with these breakthroughs, too many cancer patients can’t access their treatments because insurance rules have not kept pace with innovation,” said President and CEO of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D. “The Cancer Drug Parity Act will eliminate the financial barriers that stand between many cancer patients and the breakthrough treatments that could save their lives. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society applauds Senator Smith and Senator Moran for their leadership on behalf of cancer patients and stands ready to work with Congress to move this important bill forward.”

The Cancer Drug Parity Act would:

  • Prevent insurers from covering oral and self-administered medicines at different cost-sharing rates than IV chemotherapy;
  • Not mandate that healthcare plans provide chemotherapy coverage, but rather only apply to plans already covering chemotherapy.


Read a summary of the bill here and full bill text here.
 

###

Sen. Moran, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Correct VA Payments

Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act would address the VA’s failure to fully comply with reimbursement rates

Dec 12 2018

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies – joined Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to introduce the Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act. This bipartisan legislation will make certain the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans for missed or underpaid Forever GI Bill housing benefits.

“The VA must make every effort to restore confidence with veterans by delivering the care and benefits they have earned,” said Sen. Moran. “The significant problems with the implementation of the Forever GI Bill must be resolved immediately – any further delay is unacceptable and will burden those veterans impacted. This legislation will make certain the VA is working to earn back GI Bill beneficiaries’ trust. I’m proud to be a part of efforts to make the VA worthy of the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.”

The Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act was introduced to address the VA’s failure to fully comply with reimbursement rates set by the Forever GI bill. The improper payments resulted from IT systems that had not been properly updated and lack of internal processes to get the VA the necessary information about payment rates.

This legislation will direct the VA to:

  • End improper payments as soon as possible;
  • Establish a team of specialists who will be responsible to report to Congress a detailed plan to correct this egregious error;
  • Provide a report to Congress by July 2020 that identifies how many beneficiaries were impacted and to what extent, aggregated by state; and
  • Certify the VA is fully compliant with the law.

###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) – members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation – led a bipartisan letter of 36 Senators urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement a provision in this year’s FAA Reauthorization legislation (H.R. 302) allowing airports that utilize the contract tower program to become eligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants from the small airport fund. This provision was introduced by Sens. Moran and Cortez Masto and included in H.R. 302 that was recently signed into law by the president.

“The eight air traffic control towers across Kansas that utilize the contract tower program not only provide an important safety service for critical local airports, but they do so in a cost-effective manner,” said Sen. Moran. “It is the clear intent of Congress that tower construction and improvement, as well as related equipment, should be given priority consideration when determining which projects should receive grants from the small airport fund. These control towers and the airports at which they’re located help provide a vital link between the communities and businesses they serve and the rest of the world, and it is crucial that the FAA implement this provision.”

The letter was also signed by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Doug Jones (R-Ala.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Steve Daines (Mont.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.).

Item to note:

  • Airports in Kansas utilizing the contract tower program and affected by this measure include: Hutchinson Regional Airport, Manhattan Regional Airport, Garden City Regional Airport, Salina Regional Airport, Topeka Regional Airport, Billard Airport in Topeka, Johnson County Executive Airport in Olathe and New Century AirCenter in Gardner.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

December 11, 2018

Daniel K. Elwell
Acting Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, D.C. 20591

Dear Acting Administrator Elwell:

As you begin implementing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, we would like to draw your attention to section 152 of that Act. Section 152 authorizes the FAA to make grants from the small airport fund to an airport participating in the contract tower program for the purpose of constructing or improving its air traffic control tower and for the acquisition and installation of related equipment.

The contract tower program has been in place for over 30 years. Currently, there are 256 airports in 46 states that participate in this program and it consistently receives high marks for customer service from aviation users (pilots, airlines, FBOs, flight schools, and corporate flight departments). Without it, people living and traveling to small communities and rural areas would be without the important safety benefits that air traffic control provides. 

Not only do contract towers provide an important safety service, they do it in a cost-effective manner. This is demonstrated by the fact that contract towers handle approximately 29 percent of all U.S. air traffic control tower operations, but account for just 11 percent of FAA’s overall budget allotted to such operations. This means that the contract tower program saves the FAA and taxpayers approximately $200 million per year and $2 billion over a decade.

In addition to the safety and financial benefits, the contract tower program plays a key role in connecting rural communities to the national air transportation system, helping airports retain and develop commercial air service, and promoting economic development and job creation. It also provides significant support for military readiness and training as well as for disaster relief, homeland security, and law enforcement operations.

For all these reasons, the contract tower program enjoys widespread support in the Congress. That is why Congress included section 152, as well as other provisions to boost the contract tower program, in the FAA Reauthorization Act. It is important to note that this provision authorizing small airport funds for tower construction and improvement was placed in subsection (d) of section 47116 of the United States Code. Subsection (d) is entitled “Priority Consideration for Certain Projects.” This provision could have been inserted in section 47124, but was placed in subsection 47116(d) precisely because Congress desired air traffic control tower construction and improvement projects to receive priority consideration for grants from the small airport fund.  It is Congress’s clear intent that tower construction, improvement, and related equipment should be given priority consideration when determining which projects should receive grants from the small airport fund. Priority consideration for these projects is fully justified in light of the safety, financial, and other benefits that these towers provide to small airports and rural areas.

We expect FAA to follow congressional intent in implementing this important provision that will enhance air traffic safety at smaller and rural airports throughout the country, including utilizing the benefit/cost ratios for new airport applicants/candidates that FAA submitted to Congress in April, 2018.

Additionally, we request that you explain to how the FAA will revise its National Priority Ranking and related order to ensure that funding for air traffic control tower construction, improvements, and related equipment receive the priority intended in the law.  We also ask that, after the end of this fiscal year, you provide us with a list of the airports that requested money from the small airport fund for tower construction, improvement, or related equipment, a list of those airports that received such funds for that purpose, and a statement explaining why airports did not receive such funding even though it was requested.

We appreciate your attention to this timely matter and look forward to continuing to work with you in a constructive manner on this important issue.

###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture – today voted in favor of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2, the Farm Bill, which passed the United States Senate 87-13.

“Kansas farmers and ranchers need the certainty of a five-year Farm Bill,” said Sen. Moran. “Times have been tough in ag communities – the weather has not been our friend this year, and commodity prices are down. Escalating trade tensions have also caused a strain on Kansas’ ag economy. This Farm Bill, which protects crop insurance, will be helpful to ag producers by strengthening the farm safety net and encouraging responsible land stewardship through conservation programs.”

“I’m pleased the Conference Report included my Emergency Conservation Program provisions to increase the amount of assistance in times of disaster and allow payments for fences to be made in advance,” continued Sen. Moran. “The bill also supports key rural development initiatives, including a pilot program within USDA to bolster broadband deployment. I urge the House to quickly pass this Conference Report and get it to the president’s desk for signature.”

Items to Note:

  • The Farm Bill Conference Report passed today includes an amendment led by Sen. Moran to allow advance payments through the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) for farmers and ranchers to replace fences following natural disasters. Sen. Moran’s amendment carries no cost. 
  • This bill also contains Sen. Moran’s proposal to more than double the amount of ECP assistance a landowner is able to receive when rebuilding from a disaster. These provisions reflect legislation Sen. Moran introduced in 2017 and were drafted based on input from Kansas ranchers following devastating fires in March 2017.
  • The Farm Bill also addresses a number of Sen. Moran’s priorities in expanding rural broadband access for Kansans. This legislation prevents the federally-subsidized overbuilding of broadband infrastructure in an effort to more strategically use taxpayer dollars to close the digital divide.

###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works – released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a proposal to better define “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) that clarifies federal authority under the Clean Water Act:

“It is critical that we work to protect our wetlands and waterways for future generations. The proposed WOTUS rule aims to promote clean water, while providing clarity to stakeholders on EPA’s jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. This provides a welcome change from the overreaching Obama-era WOTUS rule by providing a sensible, clear definition that will result in better utilization of resources and cut red tape for Kansas producers. I will work with the administration to make certain its implementation works for farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders.”

Items to note:

  • The proposed rule would provide clarity and consistency for farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders across the country, specifically regarding the limits and jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. More information about the proposed rule can be found here.
  • The EPA will take comment on the proposal for 60 days. More information about submitting comments to the agencies regarding the proposed rule can be found here.

###

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies – today released the following statement after the president nominated William Barr to serve as the next United States Attorney General:

“As Chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I hope for a swift confirmation process that will allow the next Attorney General to participate in the FY2020 budget and appropriations process. The role of Attorney General, as our nation’s head law enforcement official, is vital to promoting and protecting the rule of law. A Senate-confirmed Attorney General is needed to make certain the Justice Department is sending a consistent and clear message regarding its funding and the resources our law enforcement need to effectively perform their jobs. Additionally, given the evidence of Russian interference in our elections, I have long supported the special counsel investigation and I expect the nominee to let the investigation continue unimpeded.”

###