[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THE AMERICAN LEGION SUPPORTS AUTHORIZATION OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 
                RESEARCH EDUCATION AND CLINICAL CENTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LANE EVANS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, the American Legion, which has 2.8 million 
members fully supports H.R. 2959, which will permanently authorize the 
Department of Veterans' Affairs Parkinson Disease Research, Education 
and Clinical Centers. The VA treats some 40,000 veterans who have this 
neuro-degenerative disease.
  The letter from the American Legion follows:


                                          The American Legion,

                                    Washington, DC, June 21, 2005.
     Hon. Lane Evans,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Evans: On behalf of the 2.8 million 
     members of The American Legion, I would like to offer full 
     support of H.R. 2959--``Authorization of Parkinson's Disease 
     Research Education and Clinical Centers'', permanently 
     authorizing the six existing VA Parkinson's Disease Research 
     Education and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs).
       Parkinson's Disease is a debilitating neuro-degenerative 
     disease that affects approximately 1.5 million Americans each 
     year. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) currently treats 
     more than 40,000 veterans with Parkinson's disease. As the 
     veteran population ages, the PADRECCs will become even more 
     essential, not only for treatment, but for training health 
     care professionals, conducting progressive research, and 
     finding a cure. This bill will help to ensure that these 
     veterans receive the best quality care.
       Again, The American Legion fully supports H.R. 2959, 
     ``Authorization of Parkinson's Disease Research Education and 
     Clinical Centers'' and we appreciate your dedication to this 
     serious health issue.
           Sincerely,

                                              Steve Robertson,

                                                         Director,
     National Legislative Commission.

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