House Bills - 111th Congress

H.R.877—The Patients First Act of 2009

On February 4, 2009, Representative Randy Forbes (R-VA) introduced H.R. 877, the Patients First Act of 2009. The bill would require the Secretary of HHS to conduct and support research using stem cells, including pluripotent stem cells that "have the flexibility of embryonic stem cells (whether or not such pluripotent stem cells have an embryonic source).” The Secretary, after consultation with Director of NIH, would be required to issue guidelines within 90 days that would prioritize research that has the "potential for near term clinical benefit in human patients." The bill also would add "stem cells" to the list of issues for which a summary of research activities is required as part of the NIH biennial report. H.R. 877 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.