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RTK.NET Mail 187757 Aug 6 16:34:53 1996 Yes, I definitely think it's important to let all of our legislators know that we have a majority in both houses. In fact, it's important enough to send them another letter or post card (or make a call or visit) even if your last contact was just a few days ago! I think people _are_ generally responsive when tell them calmly and reasonably that we find this experience with the political process painful and frustrating, when so many people, most of them with Parkinson's disease, have worked hard enough to get a majority cosponsorship, clearly showing that we have the votes to pass the bill, why can't we get a piece of time on the schedule to just call for a vote? It is frustrating, I know I was planning on moving on to other things after we got majority cosponsorship because I thought that meant we'd be _done_! We've got to rekindle the energy any way we can. Remind them, too, that we're talking about an expansion of the research effort that could lead to a cure within 5 years. We need to start this effort in FY 97 (we should have started it in FY 96). There will likely be some limit to how much neurological damage the breakthrough cure and treatments can reverse and/or compensate for. The consequences of waiting until the next congress to get the Udall bill passed are great, and at this time when everyone is trying to squeeze in legislation before the end of September, we need to also keep reminding everyone just how urgent the Udall bill is. We all need ways to reenergize now, thanks for sharing yours. Try to meet with your rep's while they are home for the month of August. Sherri [log in to unmask]