Legislation would reauthorize traumatic brain injury program

Bipartisan legislation introduced by Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) would reauthorize the federal traumatic brain injury (TBI) program to provide assistance to victims of brain injuries and support research efforts.

Hatch established the program with the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) in 1996 to help mitigate the impacts of brain injuries in veterans and citizens.

“From our veterans and service members returning home from war to student athletes playing the sport they love, millions of Americans suffering from a traumatic brain injury are forced to rely on long-term or lifelong assistance for even the most basic tasks,” Hatch said. “I’m proud to have helped create this worthwhile and effective program, which continues to make a difference in the lives of so many.”

The reauthorization bill would not increase federal spending by one cent, Hatch said, and leaders of the brain injury field have supported it.

“I commend the leadership of Sen. Casey on this important issue and hope we can have this bill pass the Senate and signed into law soon,” Hatch said.

Casey said brain injuries have “serious consequences” for families across the country.

“This legislation supports critical activities to improve prevention, educate communities, and support individuals with TBI and their families and caregivers,” Casey said. “We also take steps to improve the coordination of federal activities relating to TBI and to identify further opportunities for improving brain injury management in children. I appreciate working with Sen. Hatch on a bipartisan basis to move forward on this important issue.”