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25 June 1998 American Parkinson Disease Association Washington, D.C. Office 800-684-2732 We have received several calls regarding the June 23, 1998, mark-up of the Labor, HHS & Education Appropriations Bill by the House Appropriations Sub-Committee on Labor, HHS & Education. Congressman John Porter (R-IL) chairs the sub-committee. =20 Specifically, the questions focused on the sub-committee recommendation to increase the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget by 9 percent or approximately $1.2 billion and what this means for the Udall Act. While the recommendation for a 9 percent increase in medical research at the NIH is significant that does not mean Parkinson=92s research received any specific (or designated) increase despite the passage of the Udall Bill. Dr. Varmus, in an analysis report, did state however that much of the increase would likely go into two especially fast-moving areas: "genetic medicine and neuroscience, which promises insights into Parkinson=92s and Alzheimer=92s= and various psychiatric syndromes". Again, while the words may seem encouraging this does not mean Parkinson=92s research will receive a specific increase= in research funding. =20 I talked to sub-committee staff members yesterday and they confirmed that the "significant language" of the bill did not specifically mention Parkinson=92s research. There is, of course, a possibility that once the detailed bill is made public we may find some reference to the need for increased attention on Parkinson=92s research at the NIH. =20 The House Labor, HHS & Education Appropriations Bill is now sent to the full Appropriations Committee for consideration where further chances will likely be made. The House is currently scheduled to bring debate on the bill after the July 4th recess. Several people have also asked =96 "What about the Senate?" The Senate Appropriations Sub-Committee on Labor, HHS & Education will mark-up their version of the bill on (or around) July 7, 1998. Many of our congressional supporters believe that the Senate is more likely to take action on the Udall Act. This basically leaves us one week to influence the Senate Appropriations Sub-Committee on Labor, HHS & Education chaired by Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA). The message is still the same =96 fully fund the= Udall Act. =20 We have to stay focused =96 we did it last year we can do it again. There= is a lot of support for the Udall Act because you have made your voice heard. Congressional support for the Udall Act is also strengthened by the scientific potential for significant advancements in Parkinson=92s research and effective treatments.=20 Should you have any questions, need assistance with your advocacy efforts, want to confirm facts or need help with follow-up with a congressional office please call Paul Smedberg, APDA Washington, D.C. Office at 800-684-2732 or via e-mail at [log in to unmask]