[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1232 Introduced in House (IH)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1232

   Expressing support for the designation of a National Scleroderma 
                            Awareness Month.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 22, 2008

 Mr. Tierney (for himself, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Bordallo, Mrs. Capps, Mr. 
 Capuano, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. Kennedy, 
Mr. Kucinich, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Mr. Markey, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Linda 
 T. Sanchez of California, Ms. Schakowsky, and Mr. Scott of Virginia) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                   on Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Expressing support for the designation of a National Scleroderma 
                            Awareness Month.

Whereas scleroderma is a chronic, disabling autoimmune disease in which the 
        body's soft tissues suffer from an over-production of collagen;
Whereas scleroderma can affect many parts of the body including skin, internal 
        organs, and blood vessels;
Whereas scleroderma sufferers often experience damage to the heart, lungs, 
        kidneys, and gastrointestinal system;
Whereas many sufferers develop pulmonary hypertension as a result of the 
        constriction of the blood vessels;
Whereas researchers have yet to have identified a cause of scleroderma;
Whereas researchers have found links between scleroderma and rheumatic disease;
Whereas an estimated 300,000 Americans suffer from scleroderma, 80 percent of 
        whom are women;
Whereas the estimated total economic impact of scleroderma treatment is in 
        excess of $1,500,000,000 annually;
Whereas the morbidity cost associated with scleroderma is an estimated 
        $819,000,000 annually;
Whereas the direct cost of treatment for scleroderma is estimated to be 
        $462,000,000 annually;
Whereas there is a significant need for further research focusing on the 
        epidemiology of scleroderma to increase understanding of the causes of 
        the disease and treatment;
Whereas designating a month as National Scleroderma Awareness Month may help 
        educate the public about autoimmune diseases and the need for research, 
        funding, and effective treatments;
Whereas the designation of such a month would recognize the efforts of health 
        care providers, patients, and scleroderma advocacy organization to 
        increase awareness of scleroderma and of the need for increased Federal 
        funding for research on scleroderma; and
Whereas June 2008 would be an appropriate month to designate as National 
        Scleroderma Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the 
designation of a month as National Scleroderma Awareness Month.
                                 <all>