Bill speeding federal drug approvals clears Senate hurdle

WASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan bill to speed government drug approvals and bolster biomedical research cleared its last procedural hurdle in the Senate on Monday in an emotional moment for outgoing Vice President Joe Biden.

The Senate agreed, and lawmakers of both parties applauded and lined up to share quiet words and pats on the shoulder with the vice president, who sat teary-eyed in the presiding officer's chair of the chamber where he served as senator for 36 years.

Some Democrats complained that the measure would make it easier for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries — strong supporters of the legislation —win federal approval for their products while raising risks to consumers.

There was also anger that while the bill would require subsequent legislation by Congress to actually provide the money, it would lock in savings including cuts in a public health program created by Obama's health care law.

Current spending expires at midnight Friday.

Since the measure is the only must-do bill before Congress adjourns, it's likely to carry several add-ons.