Debbie Dingell: “I am in support of H.R. 4365, the Children's Health Act of 2000. This bill is an important first step toward improving…”

“I am in support of H.R. 4365, the Children's Health Act of 2000. This bill is an important first step toward improving the health and well-being of our nation's next generation. H.R. 4365 enhances the national research infrastructure and reinforces surveillance and prevention initiatives for such conditions as fragile X, autism, asthma, juvenile arthritis, childhood malignancies, traumatic brain injury, hepatitis C, and immediate adverse reactions to vaccines. I am particularly pleased to see two provisions that reflect the tireless efforts of my colleague Diana DeGette: one to advance the quest for a treatment and cure for juvenile-onset diabetes, and the second to improve pediatric organ transplant services. H.R. 4365 also strengthens existing activities to promote the use of folic acid in the prevention of certain birth defects, a measure that will reduce human suffering and save healthcare dollars. Other highlights of the bill include the expansion of oral health and epilepsy treatment services to undeserved children, and the reauthorization of the Healthy Start initiative, a demonstration program established to reduce infant mortality and improve pregnancy outcomes. Investments in America's researchers are also evidenced in H.R. 4365 through the extension of authorized appropriations to children's hospitals for the cost of graduate medical education.”