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I'm forwarding the following message sent today by Laura Ekart of the Parkinson's Action Network: She wrote: <<Parkinson's Research funding for the Army Program for Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Research Program (NETRP) for Fiscal Year 2002. <<There may be a mark up on the Department of Defense spending bill tomorrow morning in the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee! Please call your Representative Tomorrow to urge $50 million appropriations for the NETRP Program. <<For more information, see www.parkinsonsaction.org to learn what you can do to help!!>> Laura Eckart -------------------------------------------------------------- I'm reposting PAN's "Talking Points on DOD funding" and the members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense below. If YourRepresentative is on this subcommittee, please try to call him or her tomorrow morning. If you have questions, PAN's phone number is 800-850-4726 . Linda <<The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense is responsible for Department of Defense appropriations including the Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Program (NETRP). PAN is seeking $50 million for the NETRP for fiscal year 2002.>> NAME PARTY STATE DISTRICT Bonilla Henry R TX 23 Cunningham Randy R CA 51 Frelinghuysen Rodney R NJ 11 Hobson David R OH 7 Istook Ernest R OK 5 Lewis Jerry R CA 40 Moran James D VA 8 Murtha John D PA 12 Nethercutt George R WA 5 Sabo Martin D MN 5 Skeen Joe R NM 2 Visclosky Peter D IN 1 Young C.W. R FL 10 Representative Jerry Lewis, R-CA, is the Chairman and Representative John Murtha, D-PA is Ranking Member of the Committee.>> <<TALKING POINTS (FROM PAN) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002 FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH AND MATERIEL COMMAND NEUROTOXIN EXOPOSURE TREATMENT PROGRAM (NETRP) Background: Lawmakers have begun drafting appropriations bills for the 2002 fiscal year, including funding for the Department of Defense (DoD). The Department of Defense appropriations bill contains funding for the Army Program for Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Research Program (NETRP). This excellent program investigates the causes and looks for ways to treat and prevent Parkinson's and other nuerodegenerative diseases. It is crucial for advocates -- in particular constituents -- to call Members of Congress who serves on the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee - that decides on the funding for the DoD - to urge them to aggressively fund the NETRP. We are seeking $50 million for Fiscal Year 2002 for this program. Talking Points: [Note: When making calls always identify yourself as a constituent of the Congressperson's district or Senator's home state.] I am calling today to urge [Congressman/women or Senator (last name)] to support funding in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. Specifically, I am calling about the Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Program (NETRP), to ask that [Congressman/women or Senator (last name)] support the funding of $50 million for Fiscal year 2002. This program is very important for the military and the Parkinson's community. [Explain your personal connection to Parkinson's disease and how the disease has affected you and your family.] This innovative program investigates the causes of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and looks for ways to prevent and treat these diseases. Everyday, Military personnel work in environments that expose them to a wide range of toxins that increase their risk for neurological disease. Unfortunately, many of the toxins that the military are exposed to are also found in products commonly found within our homes. The NETRP has had numerous scientific breakthroughs and improved understanding of what causes these diseases and how they will be treated and prevented. This program will save lives. Funding for NETRP is a vital investment of funds. In fact, Parkinson's disease is estimated to cost the United States $25 billion a year. Can we count on your support? How does [Congressman/women or Senator (last name) intend to vote on this issue? Thank you for your time and consideration. I would like to leave my name, address and phone number so that I can hear back on this critical issue.>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn