Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter’s bill, H.R. 2818-VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act, passed through the House Veteran’s Affairs Health Subcommittee by unanimous voice vote. H.R. 2818 would establish five Epilepsy Centers of Excellence within the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As of today, the legislation has the bipartisan support of 133 co-sponsors.
“I am pleased this important legislation passed through the subcommittee, and I look forward to moving this bill forward later this month. I am particularly proud of the broad bipartisan support for this critical legislation which will help so many of our troops returning from and Afghanistan. We know 53% of soldiers who returned from developed epilepsy after suffering a head injury. The signature injury for our troops returning from and is traumatic brain injury (TBI). Establishing Epilepsy Centers of Excellence will help treat these brave soldiers while promoting cutting edge research.
“I know first hand how serious epilepsy can be. My oldest daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was a child. Creating Epilepsy Centers of Excellence across the country will help the VA pro-actively treat TBI and epilepsy while giving our veterans the treatment they deserve,” stated Rep. Perlmutter.
A companion bill (S. 2004) carried by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) passed the Senate on June 3, 2008.
Important Facts & Timeline for H.R. 2818
Rep. Perlmutter has long been a champion for epilepsy research and treatment.
In 2006, when running for Congress, he campaigned on promoting epilepsy research and providing better medical care for our veterans.
In 2007, Rep. Perlmutter met with a broad coalition of individuals and groups regarding H.R. 2818 including: American Academy of Neurology, The Epilepsy Foundation of America, the Brain Injury Association, the Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) and many Colorado-based veterans groups.
6/21/2007, H.R. 2818 is introduced.
7/3/2007, Rep. Perlmutter hosts a press conference at the Colorado Veterans’ Memorial in front of the State Capitol announcing H.R. 2818. Disabled American Veterans, the Paralyzed Veterans, the Blinded Veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans of America all support H.R. 2818.
4/15/2008, Rep. Perlmutter testifies before the House Veterans Subcommittee on Health in support of H.R. 2818.
6/5/2008, House Veterans Subcommittee on Health unanimously passes H.R. 2818 and now goes to full committee for mark-up.
