Reeve Paralysis Bill Approved in Committee

Press Release

Reeve Paralysis Bill Approved in Committee

The House Energy & Commerce Committee today passed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (H.R. 1727) and sent it for consideration to the full House. The bipartisan legislation, introduced in March 2007 by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues Congresswoman Mary Bono (R-CA) and Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), will improve the lives of and hasten better treatments and cures for people living with paralysis.

"We honor the activism of Christopher and Dana Reeve with this bipartisan effort to better treat and, we hope, cure paralysis and other serious motor impairments," said Congresswoman Baldwin. "Chris and Dana used their visibility to work on behalf of families in all parts of the country who face the challenges of paralysis and impaired mobility. This bill is part of their legacy and I urge quick passage of this important piece of legislation," Baldwin said.

The legislation, named for the actor who was paralyzed in a riding accident and his wife who turned adversity into activism, seeks to avert redundancies and encourage collaborative research in paralysis and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis and mobility impairments from any cause -- stroke, ALS, spinal cord injuries, and others.

"On behalf of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (CDRF), I commend Congresswoman Baldwin for her leadership in advancing the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, the only comprehensive legislation addressing the research, rehabilitation and quality of life needs for those living with paralysis." said Peter T. Wilderotter, president of CDRF. "Representative Baldwin's historic efforts give hope to millions of Americans living with paralysis, their families and caregivers." Wilderotter continued, "Enactment of this bill will help cement the legacies of both Christopher and Dana Reeve and the work to which they committed their lives."

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