Turn on any cable news station these days and you’ll see it… the continuously running clock that is tracking the hours and minutes of the government shutdown. When I see it, I can’t help but think about what could or should have been accomplished during that time, especially when it comes to important policy changes that can help Americans live healthier lives.
You see, the 10 days our nation’s elected officials have spent trying to figure out how to reopen the government is time they could have used to:
1) Restore funding for the National Institutes of Health, which supports life-saving heart disease and stroke research.
2) Make progress toward the passage of an education bill that includes the regular, quality physical education our kids need to stay active and healthy.
3) Extend the Medicare therapy caps exceptions process which is necessary in order to ensure Medicare beneficiaries who have a stroke are able to access and afford the rehabilitation they need.
With less than three months left before the end of the year, we need a quick resolution to the government shutdown to ensure Congress is able to address these key issues and others. And while our lawmakers have been doing a lot of talking lately, it is time for them to listen… to you!
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