Your vote counts!
Scott Benner
On August 1st 2007 HR 3162 came to a vote. HR 3162 or the "Children's Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act of 2007" included among other things a one-year, $150 million extension of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP).
The JDRF was requesting of a 5-year extension and an increase from $150 to $200 million per year which didn’t come to pass. I try not to mix my political feelings with our support of diabetes research because we meet passionate supporters of diabetes research everyday of both leanings. I never thought that they’re political affiliation could hurt the cause... until I saw the August 1st vote tally.
The bill passed, narrowly, 225 to 204. When I looked into how my representatives voted I found this. Final Vote Results for Roll Call 787. Of the 225 Yeas 5 were Republicans. So now I see that my support of diabetes research can not exclude party affiliation. It is not my intention to offend anyone but if you are supporting Republican candidates this vote tally really should serve as an eye opener for you.
My Congressman, Chris Smith (R) voted nay. I called and emailed his office asking him for support. I explained the drudgery of my day and the consequence to Arden’s life due to juvenile diabetes. I received no response but more importantly I received no representation. Ask yourself who is being represented when he votes against funding research that targets wiping out a massive disease.
In the days that followed the vote Smith Reintroduced the “Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act”. He is apparently concerned with the welfare of your fetus but stops caring about them after they are born. He’s for Cord Blood Therapy and supports Autism but somehow voted against (CHAMP). For me, that kind of inconstancy calls his intentions into question.
I’ll be honest and tell you that I haven’t read HR 3162. I supported it blindly because it included money for a disease that my daughter has. I’ll defend the 204 people that voted against it by saying that maybe they’re was a troublesome rider attached. But if that was the case they should have found a better way to deal with their concerns other then voting against this bill. It is unconscionable to play politics with our children’s lives.
I urge you to look into how your representation voted and adjust your support accordingly. Our children don’t have time to play politics, they need a cure today.
Since we can’t count on our government to properly support diabetes research we’ll have to do it ourselves. Arden will be walking on October 28 to raise awareness and funds for Juvenile Diabetes. By donating you’re helping find a cure and when it’s found you’ll know you were part of rescuing Arden and countless others from this horrible disease. Please donate as much as you can to the JDRF through Arden’s Walk. Do it for Arden, do it because it’s kind or do it for the tax deduction... as long as you do it!
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