EC From DC - May 1, 2013

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It is fun, it is educational, and it gives our kids (and grandkids) a chance to learn about what we do. I participated in the ‘Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work' day last week. It is a day that has been observed as a proud tradition in the United States for longer than 20 years.

The experience was designed to go beyond the basic work ‘shadow', and teach children about the importance of education and all that goes along with balancing a family, a career, and pursuing success. There are millions of boys and girls who participate in this activity nationally and internationally.

This is a day to teach our children, yet I found I was the one learning. Getting time with our kids and our grandkids is a priceless treasure all by itself, and I was happy to join all of the other parents and grandparents across Missouri's Fifth District who are enjoying this day.

Yesterday I participated in a townhall with my colleague and friend from the other side of the stateline, Congressman Kevin Yoder. One of the matters I was asked to address was what we, as legislators, are doing, and what we, as a Congress, are working on. As you know, the House of Representatives is controlled by Republicans and the Senate remains controlled, although frustrated by filibuster, by Democrats. This dynamic has created tension, to say the least, and the bodies have not been able to pass much legislation. That said, I am ready to tell you what we have been up to.

As well as…

And when we have time,

Nothing. I do not mean to be flippant. I do not mean to be facetious. I simply want to share with you, that last week, we spent several days considering the Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act. Now, the bill was bipartisan in nature, it passed, and I voted for it. But I can think of dozens—no, hundreds—of issues that merit attention on the Floor of the House of Representatives more so than a bill to update helium policy. A transportation bill. A farm bill. Immigration reform. Tax reform. A full and forthright budgetary process. A careful review of the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act and of the Affordable Care Act. These efforts require careful consideration, bipartisan attitudes and aspirations, and common sense.

I've introduced two bills recently, both bipartisan, and both crafted to satisfy a need for my constituents and the nation as a whole. The first is new legislation (H.R. 1454) to help area farmers, ranchers and producers recover from last year's record drought. This legislation would make critically important supplemental agriculture disaster assistance available. The second is something that 7 out of 10 Americans can't define. When told what it is, 9 out of 10 say they would want it if they ever needed it. What is it, you ask? Palliative care.

Last week I reintroduced the Patient Centered Quality Care for Life Act (HR 1666) to help those with chronic and serious illness in Missouri's Fifth District, and around the country, get better, clearer and more comprehensive health care. This bipartisan legislation focuses on making sure palliative care is available to patients and families facing serious or life threatening illness. It also provides assistance to improve workforce training for those caring for patients, as well as public education and advocacy, and research.

As you know, it can be a very confusing and emotionally exhausting time for loved ones as they try to care for chronically ill family members. Unfortunately, right now, those who need to focus on fighting their illness must also battle a deluge of confusing information, duplicative tests and multiple doctors. Palliative care provides patients with a team of trained professionals to help them address their care and improve their quality of life.

I am pleased Alabama's Republican Congressman Spencer Bachus is co-sponsoring this bill with me. Palliative care is one of the fastest growing trends in health care, giving patients added support with specialists who can help navigate the medical landscape. Removing unnecessary stress and coordinating care for both the patient and the patient's family are top priorities of this legislation. It is legislation that is endorsed by the American Cancer Society.

The Patient Centered Quality Care for Life Act would:

• Authorize a National Patient-Centered Care and Quality of Life Stakeholder Strategic Summit to analyze and identify strategy for improving the quality of life for the rapidly growing population of patients facing serious illness.

• Establish a Quality of Life Patient and Professional Awareness Initiative to educate patients about the health advantages of receiving patient centered palliative care and the services it provides.

• Establish a professional workforce initiative to train allied health professionals including nurses, nursing assistants, social workers and patient navigators to enhance symptom assessment and management, communications skills, coordinated care and other quality of life focused treatment for all clinical specialties.

• Direct the National Institutes of Health Director to expand and intensify national research programs in symptom management, palliative, psychosocial and survivorship care.

Research tells us that palliative care works, giving patients a better chance of prolonging life and doing it in a cost-efficient and dignified way. And our hearts tell us taking care of the ill and their families is the right thing to do.

On Saturday, May 4th, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm at Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley, 3201 SW Traffic Way in the Education Center, please join the members of the Black and Brown Coalition and me for a town hall featuring U.S. Representative Luis V. Gutierrez of Illinois. Congressman Gutierrez, who is currently serving his eleventh term in Congress, is by far the most vocal legislative leader on immigration in the House or Senate. Congressman Gutierrez will speak on the importance of immigration reform and its impact on the nation.

Please R.S.V.P. on Facebook here, and bring a friend.