CDRPA
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act is tantalizingly close to enactment. In October of 2007 it passed unanimously in the House of Representatives and was referred to the Senate, where it now sits in limbo due to a “hold” placed on the bill.
Our goal is to demonstrate overwhelming support for the CDRPA (S1183) by gathering a majority of Senate members (+ 50) to sign on as cosponsors for the bill. Currently we have 33. Our first challenge is to educate our Senate contacts about the intent and importance of this legislation. Once Senators and their aides are made aware of the bill’s language and purpose they are almost always supportive.
Once we have their support, the next challenge is to maintain a dialogue and continue to phone and email our contacts (ONCE A WEEK) until we see the Senator’s name on the list of cosponsors.
Are both your Senators already cosponsors? You can encourage them to ask their colleagues to sign on as well. Contact friends and relatives in other states and ask them to help you with this effort by calling and emailing their Senators. You'd be amazed at how well these strategies work!
Passage and funding of the CDRPA would be a MAJOR step in moving promising therapies from the laboratory to human clinical trials and application. At Working 2 Walk 2008 we heard repeatedly that advancement of research is being delayed not just by lack of funding, but also by lack of coordination and infrastructure. The CDRPA addresses these problems.
Our opportunity is NOW. Here is the information you need about the CDRPA to educate yourself, your legislators, and your neighbors and friends who can help with this effort. Senate offices DO keep track of how many contacts they receive on a given issue, and they DO listen to their constituents. Make yourselves heard!
Thomas.gov with links to bill’s text, current status, list of cosponsors
CDRPA Summary
CDRPA FAQ’s
Why CDRPA
15 April 2008 Congressional Briefing Testimony:
Dr. Wise Young
Dr. Stephen Davies
Dr. Mark Hurtt
Dr. Damien Pearse