Monthly Archives: July 2009
Appropriations Update, House Appropriations Full Committee
On July 17, 2009, the House Appropriations Full Committee acted on legislation that would fund labor, health and education programs for Fiscal Year 2010. The overall numbers for this year’s reported bill are as follows:
Bill Total
2009 Comparable: $155.049 billion
President’s Request: $160.706 billion
Committee Mark: $160.654 billion
Currently, further details regarding TBI Act and TBI Model Systems of Care funding have not been released, however, look for a special edition of Policy Corner on Monday, July 27, 2009 for a special appropriations report. BIAA will continue to monitor the appropriations process closely and will be sure send out grassroots action instructions when the bill is scheduled for floor action.
House Considers FY10 TBI Act Appropriations, take action now!
House Considers FY10 TBI Act Appropriations, take action now!
Friday, July 24, 2009, the House of Representatives will be considering a bill which will provide the funding allocation for programs authorized through the TBI Act and for NIDRR’s TBI-related research programs, including TBI Model Systems of Care.
Federal funding for these important TBI programs has remained stagnant over the last several years, as Congress has not provided increases sufficient to keep up with the increasing cost of doing business. The urgent need for increased federal support for a national TBI public health infrastructure and TBI research is further heightened by the recognition of TBI as the signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The time is now to urge Members of Congress to adequately fund TBI programs!
Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Authorization
Next week the 2010 Defense Authorization bill is expected to dominate debate on the Senate floor. The bill was reported as an original bill by the Senate Armed Services Committee on June 2, 2009.
It is important to note that BIAA’s cognitive rehabilitation position paper (http://www.biausa.org/elements/media/biaa_cog_rehab_position_statement_2007.pdf) was referenced in the official Committee Report that was released last week as saying, “The committee notes that the Brain Injury Association of America has recognized the benefits of cognitive rehabilitation therapy for brain injuries, and that there is a growing body of scientific evidence to support its efficacy.”
BIAA will continue to watch the bill as it is considered next week and advocate for the inclusion of cognitive rehabilitation within TRICARE coverage for returning service members.
Health Care Reform Update
This week the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has been continuing to consider its version of the health care overhaul, while the Finance Committee has yet to begin formal markups, but continues to discuss policy behind closed doors.
In the House, The chairmen of the Energy and Commerce, Education and Labor, and Ways and Means Committees are working on a final draft of a bill that could be released at any time. The House committees plan to mark up the legislation next week.
Appropriations Update
Today, July 10, 2009, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education will begin considering the Fiscal Year 2010 spending bill that will provide the funding allocation for programs authorized through the TBI Act and for NIDRR’s TBI-related research programs, including TBI Model Systems of Care.
BIAA and other stakeholders authored a letter that was circulated today on Capitol Hill urging increased funding for TBI programs. Specifically:
- $11 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention TBI Registries and Surveillance, Prevention and National Public Education/Awareness
- $20 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal TBI State Grant Program
- $6 million for the HRSA Federal TBI Protection & Advocacy (P&A) Systems Grant Program
- $13.3 million for NIDRR’s TBI Model Systems of Care Program
For further reading, a copy of the letter can be found on our web site by clicking on the following link:
http://www.biausa.org/elements/policy/2009/tbi_act_appropriations_2010_support_letter.pdf
If you would like to take action and encourage your Congressman to support increased funding for TBI programs, click on the link below to be directed to our legislative action center!
BIAA will continue to monitor the Appropriations proceedings and alert grassroots advocates to take action when needed.
