Pasco Reporter

U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) are celebrating the unanimous passing of their National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act out of the Energy and Commerce Committee. The legislation aims to unite experts in a public-private partnership to advance a national project focused on preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson’s disease. With nearly 90,000 new cases diagnosed every year, Parkinson's is the second most common and fastest-growing neurological disease globally.

The bipartisan effort seeks to address the financial and health burdens faced by American families and reduce government spending over time. It comes at a crucial time as researchers have recently discovered a new biomarker that can reveal key pathology and provide new understanding about the disease. Bilirakis and Tonko are optimistic that their legislation will spur breakthrough developments of innovative treatments and cures.

For Congressman Bilirakis, this fight against Parkinson's is deeply personal. He has lost two immediate family members to the disease in the past six months. His brother, Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis, who passed away in May, was a primary care physician and a beloved member of his community. Bilirakis is grateful to his colleague, Anna Eshoo, for amending the bill's title in honor of his late brother.

Speaking about the legislation, Bilirakis said, "I will continue this fight in memory of my dear brother, other family members, and on behalf of all my constituents who are still struggling with this debilitating disease... We must change our approach to get better results, which is exactly what our legislation will do."

Congressman Tonko, who has made helping those with neurological disorders a top priority, expressed his dedication to the cause, saying, "It is incumbent on Congress to ensure Americans know they will be supported during this frightening and life-altering time. Our legislation does just that."

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research also voiced its support for the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act. Ted Thompson, Senior Vice President of Policy for the foundation, stated, "With groundbreaking progress made in Parkinson’s research this year — including the discovery of a biomarker — there is no better time to focus our efforts on accelerating science and providing better care to every patient and family impacted by this disease."

The Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis National Plan to End Parkinson's Act establishes an Advisory Council consisting of experts from federal agencies, patient advocates, specialist providers, clinicians, and researchers. The council will provide annual reports to the Department of Health and Human Services and Congress, evaluating current efforts to prevent, treat, and cure Parkinson's. It will also make recommendations to reduce the burden of the disease on patients and families, improve health outcomes and quality of care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and Veterans, and further research into the underlying causes of Parkinson's.

The legislation also incorporates other neurodegenerative diseases, including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), and has gained the support of Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, who has been affected by PSP.

The passing of the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act out of the Energy and Commerce Committee marks a significant step forward in the fight against Parkinson's disease. The legislation's focus on collaboration and research aims to provide hope to those suffering from the disease and lead to better patient outcomes with more cost-effective disease management.

Click this link to access more information: https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-tonko-celebrate-bipartisan-dr-emmanuel-bilirakis-national-plan