Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, to share her strong support and statement regarding this important legislation.

These are her words:

``I rise today in strong support of the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act.

``As many of you know, earlier this year, I shared that I have been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP for short, which is an atypical Parkinson's, a kind of Parkinson's on steroids.

``Even those of you with whom I have never interacted one on one have witnessed my physical deterioration, from my striding confidently through the Chamber earlier this year to walking more haltingly and dependent on my walking sticks this summer, to leaning heavily on my walker now. In all likelihood, some time in 2024, I will come to the floor in a wheelchair.

``Eventually, those of us who have these diseases will be unable to walk, talk, or even feed ourselves. We will require extensive and expensive institutional or in-home care, the cost of which will likely be borne primarily by U.S. taxpayers.

``Since my diagnosis, I have seen firsthand how Parkinson's disease or atypical Parkinson's can change everything, not only for those of us who suffer from the disease itself, but for all of the many people in our lives who love us and want us to be well again.

``The physical challenges are tough. In just 2016, I ran the Marine Corps Olympic-distance triathlon and as recently as last year got up every morning during session to go to the gym with Chair Rodgers and a small group of dedicated women Members.

``My family has felt the impacts, as well. My husband, Andrew, and I were supposed to be getting to the good part and were looking forward to enjoying our empty nest as our younger son went off to join his brother in college.

``Instead, he will be a caregiver, and we are looking for ways to convert the first floor study and half bath to a bedroom and en suite so that I will be able to remain in our home when I am no longer able to make it up or down stairs.

``Instead of scuba diving together in the morning and sitting under a palm tree and playing Scrabble in the afternoon, we will not enjoy a leisurely retirement a decade plus from now.''

``I know it has been difficult for my sons to watch as their vivacious, cool--for a mom--confident Congresswoman mom goes through these changes and challenges as well.

``This is my family's story, but we, unfortunately, are not alone. There are over 1 million people in the United States who have these diseases, and countless loved ones surrounding them.

``We did not expect this to happen to us, and it could happen to anyone. That is why this legislation is so critical. Today marks a historic step forward toward a world where no family has to endure what ours has.

``To my colleagues, friends, and those from across the country from whom I have heard an outpouring of support, I have been touched by your kindness and the desire for action from both sides of the aisle.

``If there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that we can and must do better to fight these terrible diseases.

``The past year has been a difficult road and an emotional journey for me, not only facing the great health challenges that come with this diagnosis, but also coming to terms with the fact that I have to give up doing what I love.

``I have spent my career uplifting the stories of those in need and fighting to serve my community, and I am proud to continue that fight on behalf of the broader Parkinson's community for as long as I am able.

``I am grateful to have a platform to be a voice for those struggling with this disease and to fight and help bring greater resources to the search for a cure. The National Plan to End Parkinson's Act will do just that.

``This is not the end of the road, but a vital and necessary first step on a journey that will lead to a cure or, even better, eradicate Parkinson's and atypical Parkinson's altogether.

``I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation and reaffirm Congress' commitment to finding treatments and cures for millions of families across the country.''

Mr. Speaker, I would only add to the words of Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton that she is a fighter.

Having served with her in the Virginia General Assembly, I saw her fight on behalf of others and turn their pain into progress, and now I am honored to serve with her as she does that with her own pain, turns it into progress to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. I join her in supporting this bill and asking our colleagues to vote ``yes.''

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