Langevin Amendment Strengthens Spinal Cord Injury Program

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today applauded passage of his amendment to the Defense Appropriations Act that would increase individual grant amounts issued through the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program.

“As someone who suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 16, I am acutely aware of how important this research is to the millions of service members and civilians who suffer from various forms of paralysis and other conditions related to spinal cord injury,” said Langevin, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. “They simply want to know whether they will ever again be able to move, to walk or even to breathe on their own.”

In Fiscal Year 2013, Langevin worked with the Defense Appropriations Committee to increase funding for the program from $15 million to $30 million. This year’s Defense Appropriations bill maintains that $30 million level of funding, and Langevin’s amendment would increase the individual levels of grant funding provided to the program’s recipients.

“Research into spinal cord injuries is producing a wealth of groundbreaking discoveries that are making treatment protocols never before envisioned an achievable goal,” Langevin continued. “If we want these advancements to continue, particularly in the areas of translational research, then we must make sure we are providing higher grant award levels to the researchers funded by the Spinal Cord Injury Program. Remarkable advancements are now ripe for further development, but these next steps will only be achieved if the grant awards keep pace with the growing complexities and costs of this research.”

Langevin’s amendment was adopted by voice vote during House consideration of the bill. The Senate has not yet taken up the measure.