Senate Passes Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act

Press Release

The United States Senate today unanimously passed H.R. 2019, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act. Co-sponsored by Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07), the Kids First Research Act cuts federal funding for political conventions and redirects it to research on pediatric conditions like cancer, autism and juvenile diabetes.

Meehan has long been an outspoken advocate of the legislation, which was passed by the House with an overwhelming bipartisan majority in December.

"Too often, partisan politics and Washington rivalries get in the way of common sense. That's exactly what the Kids First Research Act is -- a common-sense measure that cuts wasteful government spending on political conventions and instead puts taxpayer dollars to work combating pediatric illnesses that affect millions of American children," said Congressman Meehan.

"Thankfully, today the Senate joined the House in putting politics aside. The Kids First Research Act is what American taxpayers sent us here to do: make choices, set priorities, and ensure their tax dollars are being spent wisely. I urge the President to swiftly sign this bill into law," Meehan said.

The Kids First Research Act is named in honor of ten year old Gabriella Miller, who lost her battle with brain cancer in October. It is expected to fund $126 million in research on pediatric illnesses over the next ten years.

In December, Meehan visited the Austism Support Program at Primos Elementary in Upper Darby, Delaware County to tout the importance of passing the bill.

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