It has been 248 days since the ALS Registry Act passed the US House of Representatives by a 411-3 margin. However, unlike the unicameral Nebraska legislature, Congress has two bodies that must approve a bill before the president can sign it into law. Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma has done everything that he can to prevent the legislation from passing. About 200 days ago, he placed a hold on the bill, which prevented its quick passage. Time is running out on this congressional session, but there might be something in the works that will save this legislation which is critically important to people affected by ALS.
Last week, Senate majority leader Harry Reid announced that he is working on a “Coburn Omnibus” bill that would group together some of the roughly 100 bills that Coburn placed a hold on into one big bill. He hinted that the omnibus bill would be ready by the end of the month.
According to politico.com “But in a stroke of legislative creativity that may have no precedent, Reid could lump all of the bills into one package and bring up the Coburn Omnibus for a single vote. Coburn can still object, but the broad popularity of the bills means that there would likely be more than enough support for veto-proof passage.”
When Coburn originally placed his holds, he did so to stop the bills from being voted on without debate or amendments. On the surface, that might sound like a noble act. After all, bills shouldn’t be passed without being thoroughly vetted. But as a matter of logistics, there simply isn’t enough time for every single piece of legislation to be debated in front of the entire Senate.
That’s what committees are for. Contrary to the messages in the media, Democrats and Republicans work together frequently, especially in committees on non-controversial bills. That’s where they discuss and rework bills so that both sides are happy. that way when popular bills are brought to the floor, members are happy to be able to quickly pass them. That’s what happened with the ALS Registry Act, which was recommended by the H.E.L P. committee.
Coburn might not actually oppose the legislation. He’s just trying to make a point about government spending and be a true small government conservative by obstructing good legislation. But he might have bet on the wrong horse this time. Reid is carefully selecting bills that have widespread support for the omnibus. According to his staff, some Republicans have already asked about having some of their bills included.
Reid, one of the original co-sponsors of the ALS Registry Act, has not announced which bills will be considered. But with over 70 co-sponsors, I hope that the ALS Registry Act would be included.
The establishment of a national registry will help identify the incidence and prevalence of ALS in the United States and collect data which is urgently needed for ALS research, disease management and the development of standards of care. A national ALS registry also will promote a better understanding of the disease, help to determine causes of ALS and significantly enhance the nation’s efforts to find a treatment and cure for ALS.
I contacted the ALS Association to see if they had heard anything. Unfortunately, I have not heard back.
Sure, it would be nice if the ALS Registry Act was passed on its own. But time is running out. This might be the last best chance to get this vital piece of legislation passed. And getting the Act, supported by both parties is all that matters to me and the 30,000 other Americans who are watching our bodies slowly waste away.
Tell Senator Reid to include the ALS Registry Act in the Coburn Omnibus
Tell your own Senators to pass the ALS Registry Act
at 2:55 pm
Nick … As you wish, dear friend. Gosh, I miss the journalism days when I actually had real phone numbers for politicians!!! Email and positive thoughts will have to suffice.
at 10:44 pm
DONE. Hard to believe this Coburn guy is a trained physician; obviously in the wrong line of work…………..I think the guy craves publicity and this is one of the ways to get it. I went to his bio at the US Senate, and the second line states that his wife is a former Miss Oklahoma. What is the significance of THAT supposed to be??
at 11:18 pm
Senator Reid just got a note from yours truly.
at 6:36 am
Done as well. And well done! Fight on!