The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is sharing this press release from Congressman Eliot L. Engel's office to bring you the latest asthma and allergy advocacy news.

PRESS RELEASE

Bipartisan Members of the House Asthma and Allergy Caucus Introduce Legislation to Honor Elijah Cummings

Representatives Eliot L. Engel (D-NY-16), Fred Upton (R-MI-06), Pete King (R-NY-02) and TJ Cox (D-CA-21), all members of the House Asthma and Allergy Caucus, have introduced legislation to honor Elijah E. Cummings’ long-time advocacy for those living with asthma.

The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act would expand federal, state, and local efforts to improve care for individuals with asthma. More specifically, this legislation expands the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Asthma Control Program to serve all 50 states and directs the CDC to collaborate with state and local health departments to provide information and education to the public about asthma. It also requires the development of state plans to address asthma, particularly for disproportionately affected communities, and requires the collection and coordination of data on the impact of asthma.

This bipartisan legislation has been endorsed by the Childhood Asthma Leadership Coalition, which consists of 15 organizations dedicated to reducing the prevalence and incidence of asthma. Members of the coalition include: Children’s Hospital Association, Trust for America’s Health, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

“Throughout his illustrious career, Chairman Cummings always fought to ensure everyone had a voice. That included those living with asthma,” said Rep. Engel. “His longstanding advocacy work on asthma and asthma related illness stemmed from his commitment to driving down the high asthma rates in Baltimore. It’s the same reason I formed Asthma and Allergy Caucus; to help the families I represent in the Bronx and Westchester dealing with these illnesses. I’m honored to re-introduce this legislation with bipartisan Members of the Caucus to commemorate Chairman Cummings’ work to reduce the impact of asthma.”

“Elijah Cummings was a true leader and a giant of the House who always fought to help improve the lives of his beloved Baltimore and those across the nation. In particular, he cared deeply about helping those with asthma, so it’s fitting that the Family Asthma Act will be named in his honor,” said Rep. Upton. “In Michigan, more than 780,000 adults live with asthma, making this legislation particularly important for our state and for the 25 million people across the nation who have it. By raising awareness of asthma and allergies, we hope to advance opportunities for treating those conditions, educate the public about symptoms, and make a truly positive impact for tens of millions of Americans.”

“This bipartisan bill brings together our federal, state and local resources to develop comprehensive solutions through research, education and action. Kings and Kern Counties, which are in my district, have the highest and third highest rates of asthma in the state, respectively. For the Central Valley and communities throughout the country, we must make meaningful impacts for people living with asthma,” said Rep. Cox. “I’m also proud that, by fighting for this bill, my colleagues and I honor the legacy of our late colleague, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings. Rep. Cummings championed this bill and asthma issues during his many years in the House. I can’t imagine a more fitting tribute than carrying this vital bill over the finish line.”

“It is imperative that we do all that we can to improve the care and resources for those living with asthma, especially those who are economically disadvantaged. I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to honor the dedication and work of my late friend and colleague, Elijah Cummings. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure that the Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act becomes law and truly honors his legacy,” said Rep. King.

"Families USA, a co-convener of the Childhood Asthma Leadership Coalition, is pleased to support the bipartisan Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act. This legislation has many critical provisions that will help children and adults with asthma lead full and healthy lives. Among them are the expansion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Asthma Control Program to serve all 50 states, and directing the CDC to collaborate with state and local health departments to educate the public about asthma. The bill is also an excellent way to carry on the legacy of Congressman Cummings, who throughout his life positively impacted the lives of countless Marylanders and millions of people throughout the country. We thank Representatives Engel, Upton, King, and Cox for their leadership on this issue,” said Lisa Shapiro, Chief of Staff and Director for Children's Policy, Families USA.

"We commend Representatives Engel, Cox, Upton and King for honoring the legacy of Congressman Elijah Cummings by introducing the Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act. Mr. Cummings' legacy includes his fierce championship for improving the health of all Americans, especially his constituents. The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act will ensure a coordinated nationwide public health response to support the health of the 26 million American children and adults living with asthma. Congressman Cummings worked every day to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a full and healthy life, and the American Lung Association is proud to support this important legislation. We are committed to working to ensure this becomes law," Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO, American Lung Association.

“The Family Asthma Act will expand one of the most important government programs helping the asthma community in the United States. Over 3,000 people die each year from asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children in the United States, affecting over 6 million children and with higher rates of prevalence in communities of color and low-income populations. The Family Asthma Act will allow the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Asthma Control Program to serve all 50 states and direct the CDC to collaborate with state and local health departments to educate the public about asthma. We thank Congressmen Engel, Upton, Cox, and King for their commitment to helping children and adults with asthma lead full and healthy lives, and carrying on the legacy of Congressman Elijah E. Cummings,” said Kenneth Mendez, CEO and President, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Contact:
Bryant Daniels
Communications & Deputy District Director
Congressman Eliot L. Engel
2426 Rayburn House Building
(202) 225-2464