Michael Bilirakis

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1554, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act, legislation that will enhance paralysis research and improve the lives of people suffering from mobility impairments caused by disease or accident.

I first introduced the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act in 2003 after meeting with the extraordinary man for whom this bill is named. Christopher Reeve told me how dramatically the accident that left him paralyzed changed his life and forced him to completely depend on others for his everyday needs.

What impressed me so much about Christopher was not only his strength and courage in dealing with what only people similarly situated can understand, but his resolve and determination to one day walk again and help others who shared his condition. And though Chris never walked again before his death, he and his wife Dana, who also has since so tragically passed away, pushed to the national forefront the issue of the need for better research into paralysis and greater emphasis on rehabilitation. This bill is part of their legacy.

The substitute amendment offered to the bill this evening represents a significant step forward in our efforts to find a cure for paralysis and mobility impairment. The amendment authorizes grants through the Department of Health and Human Services to expand research on paralysis, better coordinate that research, and intensify efforts to translate clinical research into progress on rehabilitation and improving the quality-of-life of people with paralysis and mobility impairment.

The bill will encourage the development of unique programs through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities. CDC grants could be used to help states develop coordinated services to assist people with paralysis or for non-profit organizations to improve access to important services and better integrate people with paralysis into society.

It is my hope that efforts in these areas ultimately will help translate clinical research into evidence-based best practices for treating paralysis and improving quality-of-life for mobility-impaired individuals.

Finally, the amendment renames the bill the Christopher and Dana Reeve Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis Act, to appropriately recognize the tireless efforts of both Chris and Dana Reeve, both of whom were taken from this Earth much too soon.

There is no question that this bill is desperately needed. Though Christopher Reeve was certainly one of the most vocal and visible advocates for people affected by paralysis, he fought for many more who shared his condition. And while there are tremendous economic costs associated with disability caused by paralysis, we cannot begin to measure the impact that this condition has on those living with paralysis and on those who love and care for them.

Before I conclude, I want to thank Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton and Health Subcommittee Chairman Nathan Deal, both for their willingness to move forward on this bill and for their leadership on issues important to so many of us. I am proud to have worked with you both for so many years and wish you well as you continue your service in Congress.

I also want to thank full Committee Ranking Member John Dingell, Subcommittee Ranking Member Sherrod Brown, and the majority and minority committee staffs for their work on this measure, especially Randy Pate of the majority staff and Cheryl Jaeger of Majority Whip Blunt's staff. I also would be remiss if I did not thank several former staffers of mine, Steve Tilton, Jeremy Allen, and Jeanne Haggerty, for their previous work on this bill. The work of all of these dedicated people has led us to where we are today.

Mr. Speaker, we clearly need to better focus and enhance our national effort to cure paralysis and improve the lives of people who suffer from mobility impairment. The passage and enactment of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis Act will be another critical step toward helping millions of Americans walk again, and carrying on the fight that Christopher and Dana Reeve fought so valiantly. I urge all of our colleagues to support it.

I thank you, Bob, for those kind comments and also the chairman.

I do rise in support of H.R. 6314, introduced by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs chairman, Steve Buyer.

For the past 24 years, Madam Speaker, I have had the pleasure of serving in this body and also the honor, true honor, of being a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. During that service I have helped create and advance numerous programs that benefit our Nation's veterans. This Congress, as chairman of the committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I have monitored and scrutinized billions of dollars of programs and projects that benefit veterans.

Today I stand before you and ask that we extend expiring provisions of current law that provide health care, housing, educational, and other assistance that help veterans and their families. By supporting H.R. 6314, we will ensure the continuation of many of the programs and benefits that our Nation's veterans have earned.

H.R. 6314 is an important bill that is truly worthy of our full support. I urge my colleagues to continue meeting our obligations to our Nation's defenders by approving this measure.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to honor the departing Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States, His Excellency Euripides Evriviades.

Ambassador Evriviades has served in this post since December 2003, but his diplomatic career is long and distinguished. Prior to serving as Cyprus' Ambassador to the United States, he served as the Ambassador to the Netherlands, August 2000 to October 2003, and Ambassador to Israel, November 1997 until July 2000. Since 1976, he has served in a variety of diplomatic positions, proudly representing Cyprus and her citizens.

It has been my honor and privilege to work with Ambassador Evriviades on issues important to Cypriots. I have come to regard him as an effective, determined, and passionate advocate for his country, a man who remains committed to the reunification of Cyprus and who has pursued this goal even when it put him at odds with others.

I want to bid a fond farewell to Ambassador Evriviades and offer him my congratulations and appreciation for his 3 years of service in our Nation's Capital. I praise the Ambassador for his tremendous efforts and contributions to raise awareness among Members of Congress and administration officials of Cyprus' desire to be reunified. He will be greatly missed, and I wish him all the best in the years to come.