The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on June 18 unanimously approved a bill that would prevent the early closure of the Federal Helium Reserve.
Helium is a key component in the operation of medical imaging equipment such as MRI systems. Liquid helium is the only element that can feasibly cool MRI magnets to temperatures suitable for imaging. MRI systems must be replenished regularly with helium to maintain normal operating temperatures.
The Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) commended Committee Chairman Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for their bipartisan leadership and support for the bill, the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013 (S 783).
"If policymakers fail to preserve this critical supply, manufacturing facilities will be forced to minimize or halt production, which could be detrimental to patient care," said Gail Rodriguez, MITA's executive director, in a prepared statement.
In a letter to Senate leadership, MITA urged Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to act quickly to approve the proposed legislation.
In April, the U.S. House of Representatives passed similar legislation, the Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act (HR 527), by a vote of 394 to 1.
