Sam Gejdenson: “I rise in support of funding provided for the Joslin Vision Network in H.R. 4635, the Fiscal Year 2001 VA/HUD…”

“I rise in support of funding provided for the Joslin Vision Network in H.R. 4635, the Fiscal Year 2001 VA/HUD Appropriations Act. I would like to express my appreciation to Chairman Walsh, Ranking Member Mr. Mollohan, and the House Conferees for the inclusion of several items in the VA Medical Care account that will provide improved detection and care for those in the VA patient population that suffer from diabetes and the complications of diabetes. Specifically, I would like to highlight the legislative history and background surrounding the inclusion of $5,000,000 for the Joslin Vision Network (JVN), developed by the Joslin Diabetes Center. The Conference Agreement of $5,000,000 for this effort is based on the following components. Dr. Sven Bursell of Joslin Diabetes Center presented Outside Witness testimony to the VA/HUD Subcommittee describing a $5 million plan for the JVN to be deployed within the VA beyond the FY 2000 level, and for the refinement of the JVN system toward a Windows NT platform and a seamless interface with VA Medical Care software.”