More Than 35 Congressmen Now Signed on as Co-Sposors to Federal Tourette Syndrome Legislation

Washington, DC, March 11, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS) is proud to announce that the federal legislation for Tourette Syndrome, which was introduced by U.S. Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ13) on Dec. 20, 2011, is gaining bi-partisan traction while being reviewed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and now has the support of 36 Congressmen nationwide – including four from New Jersey

The Congressman on board with bill number H.R. 3760, titled the Collaborative Academic Research Efforts (CARE) for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2011, are:

· Jason Altmire (D-PA)
· Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ1)
· Joe Baca (D-CA)
· Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
· Karen Bass (D-CA)
· Robert Brady (D-PA)
· Michael E. Capuano (D-MA)
· Steve Cohen (D-TN)
· Joe Courtney (D-CT)
· Mark Critz (D-PA)
· Joseph Crowley (D-NY)
· Henry Cuellar (D-TX)
· Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
· Keith Ellison (D-MN)
· Charlie A. Gonzalez (D-TX)
· Raul Grijalva (D-ZA)
· James Himes (D-CT)
· Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX)
· Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
· Tim Holden (D-PA)
· Rush Holt (D-NJ12)
· Leonard Lance (R-NJ7)
· Ben R. Lujan (D-NM)
· Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)
· Gwen Moore (D-WI)
· Grace Napolitano (D-CA)
· Eleanor Norton (D-DC)
· Ed Pastor (D-TX)
· Ed Perlmutter (D-CO)
· David Price (D-NC)
· Steven Rothman (D-NJ9)
· Tim Ryan (D-OH)
· John P. Sarbanes (D-MD)
· Jose E. Serrano (D-NY)
· Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY)
· John A. Yarmuth (D-KY).

"I am proud to have introduced the CARE for Tourette Syndrome Act and bring to the forefront the need for an increased commitment to finding better treatments and a cure for this disorder. It is my hope that through this legislation, we can grasp a better understanding of Tourette Syndrome and, in turn, help enhance the lives of so many," Congressman Sires said. “I am pleased that my colleagues in Congress are supporting this important legislation for Tourette Syndrome.”

The bill would expand, intensify and coordinate the programs and activities of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with respect to Tourette Syndrome and would establish regional centers of excellence across the country to conduct research into the cause, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, control and treatment of TS and associated disorders.

The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders, the nation’s first center of excellence for TS, was established in 2004. Both Congressmen Sires and Lance have been longtime supporters of NJCTS and its mission.

“We are delighted these Congressmen have signed on as co-sponsors of H.R. 3760,” NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice said. “We hope that the entire New Jersey delegation will sign on as co-sponsors for this legislation. New Jersey is at the forefront of providing services for Tourette Syndrome families, outreach to the medical community, training for teachers and research into better treatments and a cure.”

Late Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ10), who passed away March 6, also was a co-sponsor of H.R. 3760. NJCTS is honored to have received his support, not only because he represents the interests of New Jersey families with TS, but also for his compassion that dates back to his years as a teacher in the Newark Public Schools. Their sincerest condolences go out to Congressman Payne's family, friends and close colleagues at this time.

To show your support for this bill and alert other Congressmen of its importance, please visit https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/112/hr3760.

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