Litigation

Congress takes up funding for Traumatic Brain Injury Programs

By Michael Kaplen

The Brain Injury Association of America has requested that I forward the following action alert to my readers concerning important congressional action on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) funding programs:
 
Right now both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees are reportedly working on the Fiscal 2009 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education Appropriations bill in anticipation of action on the bill as soon as the new legislative session begins in January. This bill provides federal funding for multiple TBI programs, as well as important trauma care programs.

Federal funding for TBI Act programs, as well as NIDRR's TBI-related research programs, has deteriorated or remained stagnant over the last several years.  The urgent need for increased federal support for a national TBI public health infrastructure and TBI research is further heightened by the recognition of TBI as the signature wound of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The need for substantially increased federal funding for TBI programs must be clearly communicated to Members of Congress in the coming days and weeks if these programs are to be adequately funded this year.

BIAA urges advocates to contact their representatives in Congress by phone before December 15, if possible.  When you call your the Member of Congress's office, please ask to speak with the Health Legislative Assistant. 

Full post as published by Brain Injury News and Information on December 05, 2008 (boomark / email).