BIAA Update Feb 2009
The following is a BIAA update for February 13, 2009.
Economic Stimulus Update
Congress is gearing up to clear their spending and tax cut measure aimed at stimulating job creation and the health of the economy as early as Friday. The goal is to have the legislation on President Obama's desk by Presidents Day.
Appropriations Update
This week, efforts to take up the FY09 appropriations omnibus bill were stalled further due to the consideration and conference of the Economic Stimulus Legislation. The house will likely wait until after the Presidents Day Recess to tackle appropriations.
BIAA will continue to watch the developments of the omnibus closely as we near the March 6th deadline.
TBI and the Military
On Thursday, Congressmen Pascrell and Platts hosted a briefing featuring Col. Michael Jaffee of the Department of Defense, DOD Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE), Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center.
The briefing highlighted several growth factors and accomplishments that had taken place over the course of 2008. Notably, the symposia and collaboration between DOD and the National Football League TBI and concussion experts as well as the International Conference on Behavioral Health and Traumatic Brain Injury that was held on October 12, 2008 in conjunction with the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. With more than 100 international experts, the areas of focus included research, education, assessment, family, and treatment.
Looking forward, Col. Jaffe announced several new partnerships fostered to help those with TBI including with the American College of Radiology, National Academy of Neuropsychology, The Kennedy Center, the Professional Golf Association, and the National Football League. These partnerships will continue to foster activities that will help educate both servicemen and civilians about the symptoms and dangers of traumatic brain injury.
