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The bill is named in honor or former AZ Congressman Mo Udall who served in the House from 1961-1990. Diagnosed with Parkinsons's in 1978, Mr. Udall was forced to retire due to Parkinson's complications and is now living in a long-term hospital facility in Washington. As chairman of the then-House Interior Committee, Mo was widely respected for the ability to steer such controversial legislation as the Alaska Lands bill and the Surface Mining bill through a contentious Congress bybeing able to charm, cajole andoutwit his opposition. Congressman Udall contended for the Democractic nomination for President in 1976 and, although he finished second to Jimmy Carter, he gained widespread respect and affection for his grace and courage. His determination to live a full and vigorous life even though afflicted with Parkinson's has gained him further admiration. The 1995 Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Education and Assistance Act was introduced on April 6, 1995, by Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR) and Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA). This bill will: expand basic and clinical research into Parkinson's, and coordinate the research agenda; establish Parkinson's research centers across the country; establish Morris K. Udall Excellence Awards; establish patient and family registries; establish Morris K. Udall Health Professions training grants; and establish a National Parkinson's Disease Education Program. The Mo Udall Bill is referred to as S.684 in the Senate and H.R.1462 in the House. ACTION NEEDED: Congress must hear from Parkinson's related scientists and the Parkinson's community since the 1996 NIH budget is stalled in the US Congress, and millions of dollars to Parkinson's research are hanging in the balance. Contacts need to be made with Senators and Representatives immediately to break the deadlock, fund the NIH at the House level and include the special neurodegenerative research initiative. Direct your call or letter to Senator________or Representative______, ATTN: Legislative Assistant for Health, Senate/House Office Building, Washington, D.C. The Capital Switchboard number is 202-224-3121. For further resources (fact sheets on the need for a Parkinson's breakthrough, the cost burden of Parkinson's on the nation, the Parkinson's research funding disparity, etc.) call the Parkinson's Action Network (PAN) at (800-850-4726) or contact online at ParkActNet