U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives Monday and Tuesday in passing legislation intended to promote cancer research, long-term care options, and other health care issues facing Americans -- particularly seniors -- nationwide.

"Having waged my own personal battle against cancer, I am keenly aware of the need for continued research into the disease in its many forms. In passing a resolution that focuses the spotlight on cancer, the Congress is signaling its support for aggressive research that may lead to new prevention methods and, hopefully, to cures," said Rahall.

H. Res. 448 calls for the establishment of a National Cancer Research Month and supports the American Association for Cancer Research's Task Force on Cancer and Aging as well as other programs to address cancer concerns for the nation's aging population.

The House also passed H.R. 2295, cosponsored by Rahall, which would establish a National ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Registry and authorize the National Institutes of Health to collect data on the disease, as well as H.R. 1727, which would establish Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Research Consortia to explore ways to improve the rehabilitation and the quality of life for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities.

"Each day, Americans are confronted with illnesses or suffer traumatic injuries that impair their mobility. Recent research has led to miraculous treatments and improved the lifestyles of many sufferers, but much remains to be learned about these impairments," Rahall said. "These two bills, focusing on ALS and paralysis, aim to speed advances and give renewed hope to patients and their caregivers."

Finally, H.Con. Res. 133, which also passed the House, would support the goals and ideals of a National Long-Term Care Awareness Week and encourage Americans to learn more about the potential risks and costs associated with long-term care and the options available to help meet their care needs in their later years.

"According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 60 percent of Americans over the age of 65 will find themselves in need, at some point, of long-term health care services. More than 40 percent will require nursing home care," said Rahall. "Seniors need to know what kind of long-term coverage is available to them. This legislation aims to help seniors make informed retirement choices so that they may live longer and healthier lives."