Majority Of Congress Supports Passage Of Arthritis Bill

Main Category: Arthritis / Rheumatology
Article Date: 27 May 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The Arthritis Foundation applauds 274 members of Congress for co-sponsoring the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act, S. 626/H.R. 1283. As of today, 53 senators and 221 representatives have shown leadership by co-sponsoring this landmark legislation. The bill, written and sponsored by Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), will help combat the most common cause of disability in the United States - arthritis - a disease which impacts 46 million adults and nearly 300,000 children.

"Arthritis is a debilitating chronic disease affecting tens of millions of Americans," said Eshoo. "I'm proud to author the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act (HR 1283) which makes curing arthritis a national priority."

The arthritis bill, when enacted, will better focus federally funded arthritis research, expand and strengthen public health initiatives proven to combat the burden of arthritis, and improve access to pediatric rheumatologists to address the country's severe shortage of these critical health professionals.

"The Arthritis Foundation is comprised of people all across this nation who have worked tirelessly over the past several years to let Congress know that more needs to be done for people with arthritis," said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "Our grassroots advocates and field operations deserve to be recognized for reaching and successfully communicating this message to the majority of Congress."

Klippel adds, "We urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to respond to this congressional groundswell of support and proceed to committee consideration of this critical legislation." The Arthritis Foundation asks Congress to act on the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act before the 110th Congress adjourns.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at http://www.arthritis.org.

The Arthritis Foundation

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