[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E700-E701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. MARY JO KILROY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Ms. KILROY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1116, 
which expresses support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis 
Awareness Week. I want to thank my friend and colleague Representative 
Barbara Lee for introducing this resolution, which brings attention to 
a disease that affects an estimated 400,000 people living in the United 
States.
  Because I was diagnosed with MS in 2003, I know the importance of 
research into treatments and a cure for the disease. I support 
additional funding for research regarding MS, Parkinson's disease, and 
other neurological disorders. MS is a serious disease, but I am lucky 
to have insurance that pays for most of the cost of the expensive drugs 
that slow its progression and help prevent disability. However, many 
people diagnosed with MS often find their necessary medications 
financially out of reach. The 111th Congress has taken historic action 
to make health care affordable and accessible, to end discrimination 
against those with pre-existing conditions, and to help people control 
and live well with chronic illness--keeping them out of wheelchairs or 
nursing homes. However, we must continue to work on behalf of our 
constituents who every day are dealing with serious health conditions.
  I am pleased that included in the health insurance reform law 
recently signed by the president is the Community Living Assistance 
Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. The CLASS Act will create an 
insurance program for the 10 million adults with disabilities in 
America to help them obtain the services and supports they need to stay 
functional, independent, and active in their community. It is a 
disgrace that millions of Americans with disabilities are forced to 
live a life of poverty just so they can qualify for long-term benefits 
offered by Medicaid. The CLASS Act will allow

[[Page E701]]

people with disabilities to remain functional and independent while 
giving them an opportunity to receive an education, maintain a job, or 
join a community group.
  I also want to acknowledge the work of the National MS Society, which 
works tirelessly on behalf of persons living with MS. Just this past 
weekend I participated in the Columbus MS Walk with my many friends in 
the Ohio Buckeye Chapter. This walk was just one of many across the 
country to raise money for research into MS.
  Madam Speaker, I look forward to the day when the world is free of 
MS. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in finding the causes, 
improving the treatments while lowering their costs, and fighting for a 
cure for MS and other diseases, so that all Americans can live fully 
active and healthy lives.

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