Funding for vital arthritis research and prevention programs face an unprecedented and immediate threat. The House has voted to cut more than $2 billion from research and prevention programs that directly impact people with arthritis. The bill is now in the hands of the Senate who will determine the future.
If these proposed cuts to this year’s funding are enacted at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis programs will be reduced which will take years to recover and delay much-needed research.
Your Senators need to hear from the American people that cuts inarthritis research funding do more harm than good. We ask that you contact your Senators now to let them know why arthritis research funding is important to you, your family, your community, and our nation.
The moment for action is now! Take 5 minutes to speak out against this attack on the Arthritis Community.
Please Call the Capitol Switchboard @ (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak with the offices of the following people:
- Sen. Saxby Chambliss
- Sen. Johnny Isakson
Feel free to use these talking points in your conversation:
- My name is ______, and I'm a constituent that cares about arthritis - an unacceptable, painful and disabling disease that costs our country $128 billion annually.
- I understand the challenge you face in reducing the deficit and balancing the budget. I share these goals.
- However, over $2 billion in cuts to research and prevention funding at the NIH and the CDC do more harm than good.
- Cuts in research funding will limit our ability to discover cures for arthritis, will eliminate jobs right here in our state, and will jeopardize American innovation and competitiveness around the world.
- An investment in health is an investment in our nation's future. As your constituent, please vote against these drastic cuts.
Why can't I just email my Members of Congress? Good question. These cuts are a top priority for a number of patient advocacy groups. In order to be heard, we have to call. Thousands are emailing offices each day with their unique requests. In order to stand out, we need direct communication with legislative offices. Learn more about Hill staffer opinions on constituent advocacy.
