Caucus aims to make increasing the healthy average lifespan of Americans a national priority.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) have announced the formation of the Congressional Caucus for Longevity Science.
The Longevity Science Caucus aims to educate Members about the growing field of aging and longevity biotechnology, and promote initiatives aimed at increasing the healthy average lifespan of all Americans. Along with Bilirakis and Tonko, Representatives Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) are founding members of the newly created caucus.
Longevity.Technology: Longevity should be bipartisan in and of itself; after all, longevity is a common goal that benefits everyone – living a longer, healthier life, being able to play a more active role in the community and reducing the healthcare burden. While individual efforts are key (eating well, exercising, reducing stress, &c), policy and infrastructure play a massive part in determining outcomes. From funding preventative medicine and national screening programs through to reducing regulation red tape and funding innovative science, happier, healthier, longer lives are in the national interest, regardless of party support or voting tendencies. This newly-formed Caucus is an excellent step in a logical direction.
Bilirakis, who serves as a senior Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said: “Increasing life expectancy and promoting positive health outcomes are important priorities, and the formation of this caucus is an important step toward achieving those goals.
“I believe in promoting individual responsibility and supporting innovation in the pursuit of scientific discoveries that will enable Americans to live happier and longer lives. I am honored to co-chair this bipartisan effort with my colleague, Congressman Tonko. We will work with our colleagues in an effort to make a significant impact on the future health and wellness for our constituents [1].”
Tonko, who is also a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, added: “With life expectancy in the United States at its lowest in decades, we in Congress need to come together to address this decline and support science and research that will enable people to live fuller and healthier lives. We’re doing just that with the Longevity Caucus. I am grateful for the partnership of Congressman Bilirakis in leading this Caucus and look forward to working in strong bipartisan fashion to help improve our quality and longevity of life, particularly in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases with aging as the greatest risk factor [1].”
The Alliance for Longevity Initiatives (A4LI) applauded the efforts of the Congressmen in co-chairing the newly-formed bipartisan Congressional Caucus, noting that the caucus is poised to make “a significant impact on the future of health and wellness for all Americans”.
READ MORE: The Alliance for Longevity Initiatives – fighting aging
“The formation of the Longevity Science Caucus is a major step towards ensuring that the latest advancements in aging and longevity research are made accessible to all,” said the A4LI in a statement. “By working together, this bipartisan group of lawmakers will help accelerate the development of new treatments and technologies aimed at extending healthy lifespan and improving the quality of life for older Americans. A4LI is honored to be a part of this historic effort and looks forward to working closely with the members of this caucus to achieve its goals [2].”
A4LI Founder and CEO Dylan V Livingston expressed his excitement about the formation of the Congressional Caucus for Longevity Science. He said: “This is a landmark moment for the longevity science industry. The Alliance for Longevity Initiatives is thrilled to see some of the most influential Congressmembers on both sides of the aisle coming together to address the important issue of aging and longevity.
“The formation of the Longevity Science Caucus signals a new era in which the pursuit of a longer, healthier lifespan is a national priority. The time is now to invest in the future of health and wellness for all Americans [2].”
[1] https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-tonko-kick-longevity-science-caucus
[2] https://a4li.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Official-A4LI-Press-Release-for-Longevity-Caucus-on-2_9-1.pdf
