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Months ago I wrote to Sen. Santorum and just today received his response. See what you think, comments, etc. welcomed. . . Dear Ms. Carper: Thank you for contacting me regarding the Morris K. Udall Research, Assistance, and Education Act of 1995. I appreciate hearing from you and having the benefit of your views. On April 6, Senator Mark Hatfield introduced the Morris K. Udall Act (S.684) which was subsequently referred to the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee for hearings. This legislation would expand and coordinate research concerning Parkinson's disease, and improve care and assistance for afflicted individuals and their family caregivers. The bill would increase federal funding for Parkinson's research from $26 million to $100 million annually. In addition, this legislation would establish an Interagency Council composed of representatives from the relevant agencies and the National Institutes of Health that would develop a strategic plan for Parkinson's research. In the past, I have been a strong supporter of federal funding of basic and clinical research within the National Institutes of Health. Because research for serious diseases such as Parkinson's is important, I supported the Hatfield amendment to the Senate Budget Resoltion to restore $7 billion in spending and avert a drastic reduction in medical research. This amendment was supported by offsetting custs in discretionary spending accounts. When S.684 is considered by the full Senate for a vote, I will be certain to keep in mind your strong support. If I can assist you further, in the meantime, please do not hesitate to call on me again. Sincerely, Rick Santorum Santorum is on the Committee on Aging as well as having his sights set (IMHO) on the presidency in a few years. Ideas? Thanks, Lisa Carper [log in to unmask] --