Legislative Bulletin: H.R. 307, Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act
Floor Situation: H.R. 307 is being considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) on January 8, 2009.
Summary: H.R. 307 would give the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) the authority to coordinate research efforts regarding paralysis, and award grants to entities to support basic and clinical paralysis research through newly created Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Research Consortia. The bill also would authorize grants related to clinical rehabilitation research related to care of paralysis, and a new program of grants to states to establish research databases of patients with paralysis and improve patients’ quality of life. The bill would authorize $25 million in annual appropriations for each of Fiscal Years 2010 through 2013.
Background: On October 15, 2007 the House passed a similar bill (H.R. 1727) by voice vote. The Senate never considered the legislation.
Cost: According to the Congressional Budget Office, implementation of H.R. 307 would increase spending subject to appropriations by $10 million in Fiscal 2010 and $95 million over the 2010-2014 period.