House Bills - 110th Congress

H.R. 446—The Christopher and Dana Reeve Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis Act

On January 12, 2007, Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced H.R. 446, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis Act, to enhance and further research into paralysis and to improve rehabilitation and the quality of life for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities. The bill is virtually identical to the Christopher Reeve Act, introduced in the previous Congress. Provisions would authorize the NIH Director to expand and coordinate NIH paralysis research, which is defined in the Act to include paralysis from traumatic brain injury and stroke as well as spinal cord injury. H.R. 446 would also authorize the NIH, acting through the Director, NINDS, to support “consortia” in paralysis research, which are to be designated in honor of Christopher Reeve. The bill would require the NIH to report to Congress on paralysis activities by December 1, 2007. H.R. 1727 and S. 1183 are related measures.  H.R. 446 was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and on Veterans' Affairs.

Legislative Update (August 2007): Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act