President Obama To Sign Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Measure
In other Capitol Hill legislative news, a lobbying push by the mobile health industry is finding traction; Senate Democrats are advancing efforts to stop e-cigarette marketing to children and two Senate Republicans are holdouts in co-sponsoring a measure by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to repeal the health law.
The Associated Press:
Obama To Sign Veterans Suicide Prevention Bill
President Barack Obama is joining with lawmakers and top government leaders to cast a spotlight on the issue of suicide among veterans. Obama on Thursday will sign the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act into law. First lady Michelle Obama, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald and veterans are expected to attend the White House ceremony. (2/12)
Politico:
Despite FDA Moves, Push Continues For Congress To Act On Mobile Health
Apple, Intel and other digital health companies are winning their war against old-school medical device regulation. The industry that stands to make millions from mobile health tech has Food and Drug Administration regulations locked down, and it has the support of Congress, too. With the government’s approval, wearable monitors and health apps on iPhones are proliferating; the wearable electronic market is predicted to be valued at $11.6 billion by 2020. (Gold, 2/11)
Politico Pro:
Kirk, Collins Not Co-Sponsoring Cruz ACA Repeal Bill
Mark Kirk of Illinois and Susan Collins of Maine are the only GOP senators who haven’t signed on to the bill from Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, which would repeal the entire Affordable Care Act and give Republicans time to draft and pass a replacement. (Mershon, 2/11)
The Hill:
Senate Dems Pushing Back Against E-Cigs Targeting Children
Senate Democrats are doubling down on efforts to prevent e-cigarette companies from marketing to children. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif) on Tuesday reintroduced legislation that would target flavored e-cigarettes and cartoon packaging. (Devaney, 2/10)