Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford) introduced legislation that would support research to develop new drugs, treatments and vaccines to combat Valley Fever.
Speaker Emeritus Kevin McCarthy (R–Bakersfield) and Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-01) joined Valadao as sponsors of the bill.
The big picture: The trio – who serve together on the Valley Fever Task Force – introduced the Finding Orphan-disease Remedies with Antifungal Research and Development (FORWARD) Act on Wednesday.
- The FORWARD Act would establish a working group at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to advise on strategies to help detect, treat and eradicate Valley Fever.
- It also encourages the development of Valley Fever vaccines, cures and treatments by directing the FDA to include Valley Fever in its priority review voucher program.
- The act would also provide additional resources to support research efforts and add antifungal development to existing CARB-X programs.
What they’re saying: Valadao said in a statement that Valley Fever has had a huge impact on communities in the Central Valley, necessitating new treatments and vaccines to save lives.
- “The FORWARD Act is an important step towards finding a cure for Valley Fever, and I’m proud to support it,” Valadao said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Valley Fever Task Force to move this critical legislation forward.”
