U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) said on Thursday that he has partnered with U.S. Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN) as co-chairmen of the Congressional Pediatric and Adult Hydrocephalus Caucus.
Hydrocephalus, a debilitating neurological condition, impacts more than 1 million U.S. citizens.
“Hydrocephalus is a tremendous public health challenge of which there is no single known cause or ways to prevent or cure the condition,” Lance, a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, said. “Education, research and communication are key tools to understand and confront hydrocephalus, and the Congressional Hydrocephalus Caucus will be a platform for those discussions. One out of every 500 babies in the United States is born with hydrocephalus, making the condition the leading cause of brain surgery in children. Additionally, an increasing number of our veterans are developing post-traumatic hydrocephalus as a result of brain injuries suffered on the battlefield.”
The main purpose of the caucus is to increase education and awareness of the illness. The caucus also will encourage further research into the illness’s diagnosis and treatment.
“I am pleased to join Rep. Lance in announcing the launch of the Caucus in the 114th Congress,” Carson said. “Many families in my district in Indiana are affected by hydrocephalus. I look forward to working with the other caucus members and dedicated advocates to raise awareness of hydrocephalus and encourage more innovative research to improve diagnosis, treatments, and cures.
Lance has represented New Jersey’s Seventh District in the House since 2009. Born in Easton, Pennsylvania, in 1952, Lance previously served as a member of the New Jersey Senate from 2002 to 2009. Lance was educated at Lehigh University and serves on the following committees: Appropriations and Budget.