Biocom Endorses Congressman Scott Peters in 52nd Congressional District Race

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Biocom, the association representing the California life science community, today announced the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego) for re-election in the 52^nd Congressional District. 

"It is my great pleasure to announce Biocom's endorsement of Congressman Scott Peters in his re-election campaign," said Joe Panetta, president and chief executive officer of Biocom. "Our endorsement committee, which interviewed both candidates in this race, was particularly impressed by Congressman Peters' depth of understanding of the issues facing the industry as well as his track record of effective advocacy for matters important to this critical sector of California's economy."

In particular, Peters has made increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) a top priority since his election in 2012. The NIH is a major source of funding for biomedical research, academic and non-profit institutions, and many of the world's top research facilities are in or adjacent to Peters' district. Peters helped pass a spending bill that increased NIH funds by $2 billion. Peters also played a critical role in delaying the medical device tax which was hurting these innovative companies that create thousands of jobs in San Diego. 

Appointed during this term to the Judiciary Committee for the first time, Peters was outspoken in opposing H.R. 9, a bill opposed by the industry, as it would have significantly weakened the ability to defend patents against infringement in the life science space.  He was very effective in voicing concerns that the industry had expressed as well as in working with his Republican counterparts. Peters' bipartisanship, particularly exemplified by his co-founding and co-chairing of the Congressional Life Science Caucus with Republican Leonard Lance of New Jersey, has allowed him to become a distinguished figure in Washington.  

Peters is the only three-time winner of Biocom's Elected Official of the Year award, having initially been awarded as a member of the San Diego City Council and then consecutively in the years 2014 and 2015.  

Concluded Panetta, "Out of all of the candidates in the 2016 general elections, Congressman Peters is the singular individual that Biocom is endorsing.  Biocom's candidate endorsement procedure requires candidates to meet an exceptionally high bar, given that the race must be found to have a material effect on the industry as well as that an endorsed candidate must secure a two-thirds supermajority of the voting Biocom board members. Thus, our endorsement of Congressman Peters displays the ways in which he will positively shape the life science industry throughout the state." 

About Biocom

Biocom is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California's life science sector. We work on behalf of 800 members to drive public policy, build an enviable network of industry leaders, create access to capital, introduce cutting-edge STEM education programs and create robust value-driven purchasing programs.

Founded in 1995 in San Diego, Biocom provides the strongest public voice to research institutions and companies that fuel the local and state-wide economy. Our goal is simple: to help our members produce novel solutions that improve the human condition. In addition to its San Diego headquarters, Biocom operates a core office serving the Los Angeles market, satellite offices in Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, and has a continuous staff presence in Sacramento. Our broad membership benefits apply to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, genomics and diagnostics companies of all sizes, as well as to research universities and institutes, clinical research organizations, investors and service providers. For more information, visit us at www.biocom.org. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter (@BIOCOMCA). 

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