WASHINGTON, D.C. – The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS) is proud to announce that the Collaborative Academic Research Efforts (CARE) for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2013 has been reintroduced as bill H.R. 146 to the United States House of Representatives by Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ8).
The legislation, originally introduced by Sires in December 2011 as bill H.R. 3760, would amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the expansion, intensification and coordination of the programs and activities of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with respect to Tourette Syndrome – a misunderstood, misdiagnosed, inherited neurological disorder that affects 1 in 100 children and adults, and is characterized by vocal sounds and/or motor movements known as tics.
“I am proud to reintroduce the CARE for Tourette Syndrome Act and bring to the forefront the need for an increased commitment to preventing and treating this disorder,” Congressman Sires said. “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.”
A primary purpose of this legislation is to establish regional centers of excellence across the country to conduct research into the cause, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, control and treatment of Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety and depression. New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders, the nation’s first center of excellence for TS, was established in 2004.
The original H.R. 3760 bill gained the co-sponsorship of 42 U.S. Congressman, including 9 from New Jersey. Already signing on in support of H.R. 146 are Congressmen Leonard Lance (R-NJ7) and Chaka Fattah (D-PA2). To encourage your Congressman to co-sponsor this bill, show your support or learn more, please visit POPVOX. More information also is available by visiting www.njcts.org.
“We are pleased that this important legislation has been reintroduced by Congressman Sires and hope that other Congressmen and Senators will follow in his footsteps,” NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice said. “New Jersey has changed the face of TS research, education and support through partnerships and collaborations, and we look forward to seeing more develop on behalf of the children and families nationwide affected by Tourette Syndrome.”