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WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) celebrated the advance of his National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act out of the House this morning in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 407-9. This legislation, introduced and championed alongside Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), would unite the federal government in a mission to cure and prevent Parkinson’s disease.

Yesterday, Tonko managed floor debate and spoke to the importance of this legislation. In addition to thanking his colleagues and local and national advocates, he recognized the pivotal work of his friend and colleague Jennifer Wexton who—following a diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) which she referred to as “Parkinson’s on steroids”—became a critical and steadfast advocate in calling for the advance of this legislation and giving a voice to the Parkinson’s community.

A clip of Tonko’s emotional remarks can be viewed HERE.

Full remarks that Tonko delivered on the floor can be read below:

I rise today in support of the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act.

These past few years I have been honored to champion this legislation on behalf of the more than 1 million American’s living with Parkinson’s.

I first learned more in depth about Parkinson’s from a friend who suffered with it.

So when the opportunity arose to partner with Congressman Bilirakis on this meaningful effort I jumped right in and made it my personal mission to get this done on behalf of the millions of people living with Parkinson’s. 

As you may know, currently, there are no treatments to cure, prevent, or significantly slow down its progression.

Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological disease and is unfortunately growing – fast.

I do want to highlight that there is hope on the horizon. Earlier this year, researchers discovered a new biomarker for Parkinson’s disease. This is an exciting step forward, but much more research and coordination is needed.

Our bipartisan, no-cost legislation will, for the first time, unite the federal government in a mission to cure and prevent Parkinson’s, alleviate financial and health burdens on American families, and reduce government spending over time. This pioneering legislation is greatly needed.

This bill will bring federal stakeholders and nonfederal experts together to implement a national plan to prevent and cure the disease, improve diagnosis and treatment options, and lessen the burden for caregivers and families.

The bill text is modeled off the successful National Alzheimer’s Project model which brought together many parts of the federal government to improve the federal response.

Once signed into law, this bill will do for Parkinson’s, what the National Plan did for Alzheimer’s and bring together coordination, care and research all to help those with Parkinson’s as well as their loved ones.

This would help bring a strong focus to a cure, treatment and also prevention. It will shine a needed light on the suffering relating to Parkinson’s.

Sadly, we recognize that environmental triggers are likely a part of Parkinson’s but so much is still unknown. More research and coordination are critical to getting answers to these questions.

Thank you to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for everything you do but especially all the work on this bill.

And thank you to the New York based groups and advocates who stood by my side demanding action on this bill and giving a face to Parkinson’s.

Together with patients, families and medical professionals we learned about the challenges of Parkinson’s and why this bill is urgently needed.

Thank you to my good friend Gus Bilirakis for working on the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act with me.

It’s an honor to work with you on this and I know how much this means to you personally and I thank you for your relentless work to push this forward.

The loss of your brother and mother-in-law in this last year has been devastating. I admire how you have channeled that pain and committed to making a difference so that we can bring hope to those with Parkinson’s.

Thank you to Chairwoman Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone for staying with us and finding a resolution to move this meaningful bill forward. I think the end product here is strong and something we can all be proud of. Thank you to Congressman Guthrie and Congresswoman Eshoo for your support as well.

And thank you to our committee staff for your hard work on bringing this together. Special thanks to Tiffany Guarascio, Una Lee, Waverly Gordon, Shana Beavin and Jacquelyn Bolen for all your efforts.

I also want to thank our good friend Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton who when faced with a devastating diagnosis, not only joined this fight but became one of the most vocal advocates fighting for the Parkinson’s community.

As many of you know, Congresswoman Wexton was first diagnosed with PSP this year which she describes as a kind of ‘Parkinson’s on steroids”. 

Jennifer, today and every day you give a face to Parkinson’s and you are changing the future for those who have not yet received the diagnosis and those who will benefit from the National Plan to End Parkinson’s. I thank you for your advocacy and for bravely sharing publicly about your journey. I value your friendship and am in awe of your determination and your journey.

I understand that receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis is truly devastating for individuals and their loved ones.

It is incumbent on Congress to ensure Americans know they will be supported during this frightening and life-altering time.

Our legislation does just that and offers a dose of hope. 

This is a commonsense, compassionate bill that will establish a robust response to address Parkinson’s and ensure that patients and their families receive the care they need.

By moving this forward we will make a positive difference, improve lives and even save lives.

And for the millions of Americans living with Parkinson’s, as well as their loved ones, I hope this brings much needed hope.