Hudson Health Bills Advance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three bills by U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) advanced today in the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee.

HR 7233, the Keeping Incarceration Discharges Streamlined for Children and Accommodating Resources in Education (KIDS CARE) Act, was approved during a subcommittee markup by a vote of 32-0. Introduced by Rep. Hudson along with Representatives Ann Kuster (D-NH) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA), this bill would support at-risk juveniles by increasing their access to mental, behavioral, and physical health services before and after their release from prison. The bill would also improve school-based health services by streamlining current administrative processes and improving student access to mental health services and guidance. 

"The KIDS CARE Act would help kids as they transition out of incarceration by providing physical, mental, and behavioral health screenings for eligible children prior to and after their release from prison," said Rep. Hudson. "Through this legislation, we can reduce recidivism and improve mental health for young adults who deserve a second chance."

This bill was the only Republican-led measure approved in today’s subcommittee markup.

Additionally, two other bills by Rep. Hudson were advanced as part of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Act of 2022. To lower drug costs, H.R. 7035, the Biologics Market Transparency Act, would drive biopharmaceutical competition and ensure continuous access to essential medicines by requiring prompt reports of changes in the availability of biologics and biosimilars. To enhance medical integrity and transparency, H.R. 6980, the Unannounced Foreign Drug Facility Inspections Pilot Program Act, would strengthen agency oversight over foreign medical product manufacturing through a pilot program that would conduct unannounced inspections of foreign human drug establishments and inform the FDA on ensuring the safety and quality of foreign operating practices.

"I am proud my legislation to address drug costs and transparency have been included in the FDA Act. As part of this package, these bipartisan measures will drive competition to lower costs, ensure access to essential medicines, and increase oversight over foreign nations like China to protect patient safety," said Rep. Hudson. "As a leader in House Republicans’ Healthy Futures Task Force, I look forward to advancing these bills in the Energy and Commerce Committee and House of Representatives."

Rep. Hudson is an active member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and a leading member of the House Republicans’ Healthy Future Task Force. The bills advanced today will now be considered by the full Energy and Commerce Committee next week.

###