U.S. Congressman Jon Runyan
New Jersey District 3
A former Philadelphia Eagles’ player, Congressman Jon Runyan was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2010 to represent New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District in the 112th Congress. The 3rd District is located in central New Jersey and stretches from the Pennsylvania border to the New Jersey coastline. It encompasses parts of Burlington, Camden and Ocean counties.
What are your legislative interests and top priorities?
A top priority of mine – one that I have held close to my heart long before being elected to Congress – is my strong interest in health related issues. While a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, I was greatly involved with many local charitable organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association -Delaware Valley Chapter, the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, the American Red Cross, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. I also hosted the “Score for the Cure,” which is an annual Golf Tournament that benefits prostate cancer research in New Jersey. Therefore, when I came to Congress, it seemed only natural to support the federal government’s role in this area. It has a successful track record of facilitating research that leads to clinical advancements in the treatment of MS, as well as many other illnesses that impact millions of Americans and their families.
What is the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus and why did you get involved?
The Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus was created to raise awareness and promote education about MS, as well as generate solutions to the many challenges facing people with this disease. The Caucus is co-chaired by Congressmen Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) and Russ Carnahan (MO-3).
The decision to join the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus was an easy one for me. As you may know, my Chief of Staff Stacy Barton has MS. Through Stacy, I have learned a great deal about the disease. She has brought to my attention many of the issues people with MS struggle with on a daily basis and the crucial need for the federal government’s continued participation in the area of MS research. The more I learned about MS, the more I knew I wanted to get involved. I view the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus as an important bipartisan vehicle for educating members of Congress about MS and the vital role the federal government has played in increasing research of MS.
Are you familiar with Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs? If so, how important is funding for these programs?
My district is home to the largest Veteran population in New Jersey, many of whom are returning soldiers suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). During my first few months in office, I began to learn more about TBI issues and was made aware of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs' Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (PH/TBI) Research Program. I was able to see first-hand all the good work they accomplish through funding medical research of TBI.
My involvement with the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus has also shed greater light on CDMRP. This innovative partnership between the public, Congress, and the Federal Government helps to develop funding opportunities for specific diseases such as MS, making CDMRP an important force in improving the health of all Americans afflicted by this disease. Although there is no cure for MS, the medical research funded through CDMRP allows doctors and researchers to find effective ways to alter the disease progression, manage symptoms and improve quality of life; and hopefully it will one day enable them to learn the cause of MS.
What’s the best way for constituents to work with you?
The best way for constituents to work with me is to contact either my offices in New Jersey, located in Mt. Laurel and Berkeley, or contact my office in Washington, D.C. I have a great and responsive staff who are ready to serve you. Constituents may also go to my website to email me or for useful information (www.Runyan.House.gov), and can follow me on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information and announcements.