Congressman Russ Carnahan :: Press Release :: CARNAHAN MEASURE TO PROVIDE MS RESEARCH PASSES HOUSE

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CARNAHAN MEASURE TO PROVIDE MS RESEARCH PASSES HOUSE

September 25, 2008

Contact Glenn Campbell
(314) 962-1523

( WASHINGTON, DC ) - The United States House of Representatives has passed the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009 with critical, new funding for multiple sclerosis (MS) research.

The bill contains $5 million requested by Congressman Carnahan to research MS. Disturbing accounts suggest that U.S. veterans have an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

"Funding for this research has the promise to help identify the potential link between MS and military service -- such findings could help unlock keys to the disease and eventually lead us to a cure, helping people affected around the entire world," said Congressman Carnahan.

Congressman Carnahan has been a tireless advocate for MS funding at the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) and led a multi-Member letter of support for the request, which garnered support from 63 Members of Congress. The Congressman believes that the Department of Defense has an obligation to fund this research because of preliminary evidence that suggests Gulf War veterans have an increased risk of developing MS.

Last year the Defense Appropriations bill made MS eligible for research dollars under the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Programs for the first time ever. While that was an important step, Congressman Carnahan believed that a specific program for MS research should be designated under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.

Congressman Carnahan co-chairs the MS Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives comprised of 116 Members and was awarded the National Multiple Sclerosis Society 2007 Representative of the Year Award.

"The inclusion of multiple sclerosis as a targeted research area under CDMRP is an extraordinary accomplishment. We applaud Congressman Carnahan for his tireless efforts as a champion of veterans and all people living with MS," said Joyce Nelson, CEO of the National MS Society. "We appreciate the commitment of MS activists who raised their voices to promote increased investment into understanding the causes and finding improved treatments for MS."