Johnson Criticizes Partisan Blocking of Bill for Terminally Ill Patients

Press Release

A bill to provide terminally ill patients a chance to try to save their lives -- a bill that has 42 cosponsors in the Senate -- was blocked Wednesday by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced the Trickett Wendler Right to Try Act in May 2016. The bill ensures that terminally ill patients, their doctors, and pharmaceutical manufacturers are allowed to try investigational treatments when no alternatives exist.

Johnson had this to say after his bill was blocked:

"It is beyond disappointing that Senator Reid would ignore the pleas of those with terminal illnesses to score a political point," said Johnson. "Matt Bellina, a retired Navy fighter pilot and soon-to-be dad who suffers from ALS, and others with terminal illnesses just want the right to try to save their own lives.

"We were all sent to Washington to make things better for our constituents. Patients with terminal diseases, like other Americans, want the chance to live to see their children's graduations, walk their daughters down the aisle, play with their grandchildren, and grow old with their spouses. They ought to have a right to access treatments that have been proven safe and could potentially save their lives. They should have the right to hope. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure this right is recognized and respected."

Right to try laws have been passed in 32 states with 97.4 percent bipartisan support. Democrat Governor Jerry Brown signed California's right to try legislation just yesterday.

Chairman Johnson has held two hearings on his Trickett Wendler Right to Try legislation.

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