This Week in Washington...

Dear Friend:

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to bring you an update of my work in the U.S. House of Representatives on your behalf.

Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome are two terrible afflictions that, unfortunately, touch the lives of millions of Americans. These conditions not only limit the lives of those who have them, they also have a significant impact on those who love them and care for them. So far, despite many significant efforts to find treatments, little progress has been made. I think there are possibilities to do so and therefore this week I introduced, H.R. 5191, the ‘Medical Improvement of Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND) Act’. This bill, if enacted, will direct the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to establish at least three Alzheimer’s disease research, education, and clinical centers. It also requires them to study the possible connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Current data indicates that upwards of 50% of those who have Down syndrome will develop the Alzheimer’s disease. To researchers, this means there is a connection between them that merits scientific analysis. Alzheimer’s disease is also a significant and steadily growing health care issue for the VA. In fact, the VA has reported that approximately 750,000 Veterans suffer from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The average age of our nation’s veteran population is 58 and steadily increasing, so unless an effective treatment is developed, the VA will have to devote more and more of its resources for the care of Alzheimer’s patients. Studying the links between these two diseases is crucial and could ultimately benefit all of mankind.

On Thursday, in my role as Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I held a joint hearing titled “Arlington National Cemetery – Preserving the Promise.” The hearing featured testimony from stakeholders and Department officials on the future of Arlington National Cemetery. The Cemetery is an iconic resting place for generations of service members and veterans but it is running out of space. Arlington National Cemetery is currently open to active duty personnel and all Honorably Discharged veterans and if nothing is done to change eligibility, the cemetery will completely run out of room in about 23 years. Ideas proposed by those presenting to the Military Personnel Subcommittee included cemetery expansion, above ground interment, and possibly limits on eligibility for internment. I look forward to sorting through the various options to preserve and protect this invaluable and historical national asset with the Army and my congressional colleagues. You can view the complete hearing HERE.

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