[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4362]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          BRAIN AWARENESS WEEK

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2017

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, this week commemorates Brain Awareness 
Week, which presents an important opportunity to educate lawmakers, 
students, and the broader public about brain science, and its many 
impacts and benefits. This is critical when you consider that brain 
disorders and diseases affect the lives of nearly 100 million 
Americans--from Alzheimer's to ALS to mental illness.
  Neurological and neurodegenerative disorders are among the leading 
causes of disability in the United States and around the world--greater 
than heart disease and cancer put together. As society ages, this 
number will increase exponentially as will the cost to the healthcare 
system and to the economy. Yet, the underlying causes of most 
neurological diseases remain unknown.
  Neuroscience is the next great frontier. Research and work being done 
in this field needs to be front and center in both the private world 
and Congress.
  The bipartisan Congressional Neuroscience Caucus' mission is to build 
awareness of the intrinsic role brain research plays in understanding 
ourselves and our society. As the Co-Founder and Co-Chair, I am 
committed to working on these important issues and hope my colleagues 
will join our efforts as members of the Congressional Neuroscience 
Caucus.

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