Congress passes 21st Century Cures Act

Congress approved the 21st Century Cures Act on Wednesday, authorizing additional medical research funding and expediting the approval process for new drugs and devices.

The Senate approved the bill Wednesday following the House’s approval last week, according to U.S. News and World Report. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law later this week.

Here’s a rundown of what the legislation includes, according to STAT:

• $1 billion in grants to fight the opioid crisis.
• $4.8 billion for the cancer “moon shot,” BRAIN Initiative, and the Precision Medicine Initiative.
• A $500 million increase for the Food and Drug Administration and a number of mental health programs, including those focused on suicide prevention and depression screening.

Learn more about the health issues addressed in the legislation:

• US drug czar enlists DOs’ help in stanching nation’s opioid epidemic.
• President Obama calls for ‘moon shot’ approach to cure cancer.
• A dark trend: US suicide rate is on the rise.
• Cry for help: New moms and depression.