Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - May 07, 2008)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

By Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Mr. Domenici):

S. 2989. A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a National Neurotechnology Initiative, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, it is estimated that 199 million Americans--or one in three--suffer from some kind of brain or nervous system illness, injury or disorder. Among these illnesses are debilitating diseases and conditions, including: Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury. These diseases are challenging for the patients and for their loved ones, who often have intense caretaker burdens.

In addition, our men and women fighting overseas are suffering from these conditions in record numbers. The signature injuries of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are brain and spinal cord injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and paralysis. For example, it is estimated that as many as 12 percent to 20 percent of servicemembers who have served in Iraq suffer from PTSD alone.

The combined economic burden of these illnesses and disorders is estimated at $1 trillion annually--and this cost is rising quickly as our population ages and our military conflicts continue. Recent discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of the human brain, and new uses for these discoveries are emerging almost every day. At the same time, researchers still have a limited understanding of the human brain and how best to diagnose, treat, and cure its diseases. The current research system for neurological diseases is disjointed and often limits this life altering research from reaching the patients in need. For example, compared to the average drug, it costs nearly $100 million more--and takes 2 years longer--to bring a drug that treats a neurological disease to the market.

We need a targeted, coordinated, national effort to support the development of neurotechnology. It is vitally important that public infrastructure be developed to ensure that today's neurotechnology discoveries quickly become tools to improve the human condition. This research has the potential to transform highly specialized areas of medicine, computing, and defense. It could dramatically change Americans' everyday lives.

The National Neurotechnology Initiative Act addresses each of these issues. I am proud to be an original cosponsor with my colleague from New Mexico. Under this proposal, the National Institutes of Health would receive funds to coordinate research and move research into innovative companies developing the next generation of treatments.

This legislation will also accelerate research and treatment of neurological diseases by removing key bottlenecks in the system. It will coordinate neurological research across Federal agencies, create a coordinated blueprint for neuroscience at the NIH, and streamline the FDA approval process for life changing neuro drugs--without sacrificing safety. All of this will mean more treatments faster for millions of Americans.

This act is an investment in America's neurological health. Investigation into the mechanisms and functions of the brain will lead to vastly improved understanding of brain disease and injuries and human behavior. It will give us an unprecedented ability to treat and heal those in need. The act also will dramatically reduce healthcare costs while expanding the American neurotechnology industry and creating good American jobs. Finally, this bill will help us honor our debt to the brave men and women of America's armed forces.

Today, I am proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Domenici. I thank him for his leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with him and my other colleagues to pass this important legislation.

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