I had stage-III lung cancer, and I’m alive today because of a medical miracle.

So when both chambers of Congress passed patent-reform bills this year to streamline U.S. patent law with overwhelming, bipartisan support, including Congressman Cory Gardner, I was thrilled. Now patent reform must be signed into law by President Barack Obama .

America is facing so many challenges at home and abroad, so why is patent reform a priority? Two reasons: (1) It is critical to our nation’s economic competitiveness, and (2) your life may depend on it.

A stronger U.S. patent system is crucial to our global economic competitiveness in all industries, especially in medical innovation. With a streamlined patent system, American inventors will have the incentives and protections necessary to drive innovation, create jobs and stimulate the economy.