WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) yesterday introduced legislation with Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to authorize a new U.S. Postal Service Alzheimer’s research stamp for an additional six years. Revenue from sales of the recently unveiled 60 cent postal stamp go to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support Alzheimer’s research.
“The new stamp recently released by the U.S. Postal Service will be another source of funding for critically important Alzheimer’s research. By making that stamp available for an even longer period of time, we can further strengthen our efforts to fight Alzheimer’s,” Senator Capito said. “We have a long way to go in a fight that means so much to so many, and this bipartisan legislation is another step forward in finding a cure to this devastating disease.”
The senators announced the legislation at a press conference alongside U.S. Representatives Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.)—who introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this year—as well as Alzheimer’s researchers and advocates. The group spoke about the importance of research funding to help end Alzheimer’s, a progressive neurological disease that affects more than five million Americans.
At the press conference, Drs. John Lazo and Beth Sharlow, Alzheimer’s researchers at the University of Virginia, highlighted the importance of building upon recent developments in Alzheimer’s research. Additionally, advocates Kathy Siggins of Maryland, Caitlin Moran of Washington, D.C., and Tom Misciagna of Virginia shared their personal experiences with Alzheimer’s disease and why the new Alzheimer’s stamp is important to raise awareness about the disease and help enhance research funding.
For a copy of the legislation, click here.
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