[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 199 Introduced in House (IH)]

113th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 199

  Expressing support for designation of May 2013 as ``National Celiac 
                           Awareness Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 6, 2013

Ms. McCollum (for herself, Mrs. Lowey, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. McGovern, 
  Ms. Bordallo, Ms. Moore, Mr. Conyers, and Mr. Rangel) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
                                Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Expressing support for designation of May 2013 as ``National Celiac 
                           Awareness Month''.

Whereas celiac disease is one of the most common genetic conditions in the 
        world;
Whereas 1 in 133 people in the United States, the equivalent of 1 percent of the 
        Nation's population, has celiac disease;
Whereas 95 percent of people in the United States with celiac disease remain 
        undiagnosed;
Whereas the grains wheat, rye, and barley contain a protein which triggers an 
        immune response in persons with celiac disease, causing damage to the 
        lining of the small intestine;
Whereas the only course of treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to 
        the medically prescribed gluten-free diet;
Whereas individuals with celiac disease may have a range of symptoms including 
        anemia, weight loss, abdominal pain, osteoporosis, short stature, 
        diarrhea, constipation, depression, and migraines;
Whereas the length of time for an adult to be diagnosed with celiac disease is 6 
        years from the onset of symptoms;
Whereas celiac disease is a serious life-long condition that affects children, 
        women, and men in every age group;
Whereas delays in the diagnosis of celiac disease result in increased health 
        care costs to patients, employers, and the Federal Government;
Whereas other serious autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, 
        systemic lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome are associated with delays in the 
        diagnosis of celiac disease;
Whereas 10 percent of persons with type 1 diabetes have celiac disease;
Whereas individuals with Down syndrome are at increased risk of having celiac 
        disease;
Whereas 30 percent of new diagnoses occur in persons over the age of 60;
Whereas 10 percent of people with celiac disease suffer from associated 
        neurological conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and ataxia;
Whereas the United States will host the 15th International Celiac Disease 
        Symposium (ICDS) in Chicago, Illinois, in September 2013;
Whereas the global conference will bring together experts in the study, 
        treatment, and management of celiac disease and gluten-related 
        disorders;
Whereas the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 mandated 
        the establishment of Federal standards for gluten-free foods to aid 
        persons with celiac disease;
Whereas individuals with celiac disease need basic information about food 
        product ingredients to effectively manage their chronic health 
        condition; and
Whereas the 2004 National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference 
        on Celiac Disease found that consultation with a skilled dietitian and 
        identification and treatment of nutritional deficiencies were key 
        elements in the management of celiac disease: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``National Celiac Awareness 
        Month'';
            (2) recognizes the efforts of advocates and organizations 
        that encourage awareness, promote research, and provide 
        education, support, and hope to those impacted by celiac 
        disease;
            (3) supports research funding to find a cure for celiac 
        disease; and
            (4) supports and encourages all people in the United States 
        to observe ``National Celiac Awareness Month'' with appropriate 
        events and activities.
                                 <all>