The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (CDRPA) was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives and approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee at the end of last year. These actions were important victories for the paralysis community, and first steps toward having this comprehensive research, rehabilitation and quality of life legislation signed into law.
These Congressional actions were in large part due to the unwavering dedication and leadership of Reeve Champions Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and HELP Committee Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-MA) along with House Champions Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).Â
The Congressional consideration of this bill is also thanks to the tremendous efforts and commitment you, our amazing advocates, have made over the years to this piece of legislation that carries the names and vision of both Christopher and Dana Reeve. This piece of legislation will cement their legacy and the work to which they committed their lives. We will continue to work with our Congressional Champions to secure a date for a full vote by the Senate, as well as having the bill Go Forward in the House.
Background
The CDRPA is non-controversial and has strong bi-partisan support. It is primarily about two things: advancing collaborative research in paralysis and improving the quality of life today for people living with paralysis and mobility impairments from any cause — stroke, ALS, spinal cord injuries, and others. The CDRPA encourages coordination of research to prevent redundancies and hopefully hasten discovery of better treatments and cures and, as importantly, to improve the daily lives today for those living with paralysis.
On Dec. 8th, 2006 the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act passed the US House of Representatives. Unfortunately, the CDRPA was among many public health bills that got bogged down in the Senate, ultimately running out of time before the bill could pass the Senate in the 109th Congress. The bill we be re-introduced in 2007, and its success last year makes us hopeful for its full passage in this legislative session.
Why Now
Despite strong bi-partisan support, the CDRPA did not pass in Christopher or Dana Reeve’s lifetime. However, to help all of the current and future individuals with paralysis, we must join together and redouble our efforts to support his vision and pass the legislation to honor his memory. Millions of individuals with paralysis and their families are counting on us!
Summary of Legislation
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (CDRPA) was introduced in both the House of Representatives (H.R. 1727) in March 2007 and in the Senate (S.1183) in late April, 2007. The CDRPA is non-controversial and has strong bi-partisan support, led by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Thad Cochran (R-MS), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and, Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mary Bono (R-CA), Jim Langevin (D-RI), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).
The Basics
This bill is primarily about three things: promoting collaborative scientific research, advancing rehabilitation research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis and mobility impairments from any cause — stroke, ALS, spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis and others. The CDRPA encourages coordination of research to prevent redundancies and hasten discovery of better treatments and cures and, as importantly, to improve the daily lives today for those living with paralysis.
What Does the Bill Do?
The CDRPA has three components that support and enhance paralysis research, rehabilitation, and quality of life programs.
Title I. Paralysis Research. The bill expands research on paralysis at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by establishing the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Consortia. This style of research promotes collaboration – connecting scientists doing similar work in multiple fields to enrich understanding and speed discovery of better treatments and cures.
Title II. Paralysis Rehabilitation and Care. The bill calls for rehabilitation research to advance daily function for people with paralysis including intensive, activity-based research to measure the effectiveness of certain rehabilitative tactics that aim to improve mobility, prevent secondary complications, and develop improved assistive technology.
Title III. Improving Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis and Other Physical Disabilities.
The bill will develop unique programs at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to better the quality of life and long-term health status of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities. Programs include providing grants to non-profit health and disability organizations to educate the public about paralysis, improve access to services, and integrate life with paralysis into society, as well as coordinate services within each state to assist persons living with paralysis.
How to take Action:
Contact both of your US Senators NOW and urge them to support Advancing America’s Priorities Act, S. 3297, which includes the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, S.1183.
Go to www.house.gov and www.senate.gov to identify your federal legislators and find their contact information. The most effective way to communicate with your Members of Congress is to call or write them directly. To contact your Senators by phone, call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for the Senator’s office and then ask to speak to the staff who handles health issues.
