UPDATE as of July 23, 2008 - Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act included in S. 3297, Awaits Debate

In an attempt to move legislation before the August recess, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) introduced S. 3297, Advancing America’s Priorities Act, a legislative package which contains approximately three dozen bipartisan, non-controversial bills that have been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, the respective Senate Committees and have been  awaiting Senate action.  The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (CDRPA), S.1183, has been included in this package which is expected to be debated in the Senate later this week.

NOW is the time to act to help pass legislation that will encourage multi-disciplinary consortia style research to enhance understanding and speed discovery of better treatments and cures; support rehabilitation research; and, build quality of life programs to promote independent living, self-sufficiency and equality of opportunity for individuals with paralysis and mobility impairments. 

STATUS:  The Senate is expected to debate S. 3297 later this week and into early next week.  Your help is urgently needed to pass the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act.

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.

CALL: Click here to identify your federal legislators and find their contact information.  The most effective way is to call or write them directly. If you know your Senators, call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 right now! Here is the message you should convey:

Please ask Senator _____________ to support Advancing America’s Priorities Act, S.3297, which includes the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, S.1183.  The Reeve Paralysis Act encourages collaborative research in paralysis, will hasten the discovery of treatments and potential cures and will improve the quality of life for millions of Americans living with paralysis.   Please ask the Senator to vote for passage of S. 3297, Advancing America’s Priorities Act.

WRITE: A fax or an email from you is very impactful, but time is of the essence. For a sample letter click here.

What is it?

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 the important first step towards 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 Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and HELP Committee Chairman Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) along with House Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).

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!