IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 577 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 23, 2009 Mr. Souder (for himself, Mr. Bilbray, Mr. Carter, Mr. Pierluisi, and Mr. Burton of Indiana) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Recognizing the Nation’s orthopedic industry for its continued legacy of innovation in providing devices that relieve the pain of, and restore mobility to, active duty armed servicemembers, veterans, and patients of all ages from all walks of life.

Whereas the orthopedic industry has provided treatments for battlefield fractures and other musculoskeletal-related injuries for more than 100 years; Whereas devices provided by the orthopedic industry, such as hip and knee joint replacements, relieve pain and restore mobility for so many who have served the Nation honorably; Whereas the orthopedic industry continues to research and develop innovative technologies to improve treatment of active duty armed servicemembers; Whereas the orthopedic industry brings together the clinical expertise of surgeons and the technical skills of biomedical engineers to generate innovation and advances in patient care; Whereas the orthopedic industry has developed and continues to develop effective and innovative treatments for the long-term effects of musculoskeletal disease and injury, including osteoarthritis and sports-related injuries, for patients of all ages; Whereas orthopedic medical devices now allow for less invasive surgical procedures that can lead to shorter hospitalizations and a faster return to a healthy and productive lifestyle; Whereas the orthopedic industry is a growing high-technology industry primarily based in the United States, which makes an important contribution to the Nation’s balance of trade; Whereas the orthopedic industry employs more than 20,000 Americans in largely well-paying, high value jobs; Whereas the orthopedic industry is also committed to supporting the advancement of the orthopedic medical profession in order to treat patients of all ages, but particularly the Nation’s aging population; Whereas the orthopedic industry supports public policies that recognize the value of medical innovation and help foster future innovation to treat unmet medical needs; and Whereas the orthopedic industry is a significant source of funding for research by the Nation’s universities and academic medical centers into improved materials, procedures, and devices: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives honors the Nation’s orthopedic industry for its continued legacy of innovation in providing devices that relieve the pain of, and restore mobility to, active duty armed servicemembers, veterans, and patients of all ages from all walks of life.