October 5, 2006

Parity Update: Sponsors of House Insurance Parity Bill Press House Leaders for Vote
– Parliamentary Move Would Force Action by the House

In a seldom used parliamentary move, the lead sponsors of legislation requiring equitable coverage of mental illness treatment this past week filed a "discharge petition" demanding expedited action on the bill. The sponsors of the bill - Representatives Jim Ramstad (R-MN) and Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) - are now working to secure the required 218 signatures on their petition in order to force the bill before the full House. If they are able to achieve 218 signatures before the end of the year (and final adjournment), then a vote on the bill would have to occur.

It is important to note that the Ramstad-Kennedy bill (HR 1402) already has 229 House cosponsors, more than enough public supporters to ensure passage. Thus, in order for this discharge petition to be successful, the sponsors need only to get 218 of the 229 cosponsors to sign on.

Action Required

Advocates are strongly encouraged to contact their House member and urge them to sign on to the Ramstad-Kennedy discharge petition on HR 1402.

Click here to send a letter to your Congressman today:
http://capwiz.com/nami/issues/alert/?alertid=9076131&type=CO

In addition, with the mid-term election now in full swing, advocates are strongly encouraged to reach out to all House members at public appearances they will be making over the next five weeks - candidate forums, radio talk show appearances, parades, county fairs, etc. - to demand support for HR 1402 and the Ramstad-Kennedy discharge petition.