WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced the Medical Innovation Never Stops Act to provide consistency and continuity for medical device manufacturers during lapses in government funding.

The Medical Innovation Never Stops Act would allow the FDA to continue processing new device applications and associated user fees - which are paid entirely by the applicant, not the government - during a lapse in appropriations. This would ensure that medical devices awaiting approval in the review process can continue to move forward in a timely manner and the pipeline of new treatments can continue to be accessed by patients in need. 

“This common-sense fix will allow the FDA to access funds that companies have already agreed to pay for the review process,” Emmer said. “Patients deserve access to life-saving devices, and companies dedicated to providing these innovations should not have their hands tied by the government’s inability to provide adequate funding for its agencies." 

“Minnesota is a bedrock for medical technology and innovation. These companies work every day to provide critical research for life-saving devices. Putting the discovery of new breakthrough technologies at risk only hurts patients all around the country. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this common-sense legislation." 

CLICK HERE to read the full text of the bill. 

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