117 SRES 792 IS: Expressing support for the designation of November 2022 as “National Alpha–1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month”. U.S. Senate 2022-09-22 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III117th CONGRESS2d SessionS. RES. 792IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 22, 2022Mr. Scott of Florida (for himself and Mr. Rubio) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsRESOLUTIONExpressing support for the designation of November 2022 as National Alpha–1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month.

Whereas an estimated 1 in every 2,500 individuals in the United States have the genetic disorder alpha–1 antitrypsin deficiency (referred to in this preamble as Alpha–1);Whereas there are an estimated 19,000,000 carriers of Alpha–1 in the United States who may pass Alpha–1 on to their children;Whereas Alpha–1 can lead to lung destruction and is often misdiagnosed as asthma or smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);Whereas Alpha–1 symptoms relating to the lungs include—(1)shortness of breath;(2)wheezing;(3)chronic bronchitis;(4)recurring chest colds;(5)less exercise tolerance;(6)year-round allergies; and(7)bronchiectasis;Whereas Alpha–1 occurs when there is a lack of a protein in the blood called alpha–1 antitrypsin, which is mainly produced by the liver;Whereas Alpha–1 symptoms relating to the liver include—(1)unexplained liver disease or elevated liver enzymes;(2)eyes and skin turning yellow, known as jaundice;(3)swelling of the abdomen, known as ascites, or legs; and(4)vomiting blood;Whereas Alpha–1 is the most commonly known genetic risk factor for emphysema;Whereas Alpha–1 can affect individuals at any age;Whereas Alpha–1 cannot be diagnosed by symptoms or by a medical examination alone;Whereas individuals who may have Alpha–1 must take a blood test to confirm a diagnosis;Whereas early diagnosis and avoiding risk factors, such as smoking, can help prevent Alpha–1 from causing disease; andWhereas November 2022 would be an appropriate month to designate as National Alpha–1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month to—(1)raise awareness about Alpha–1; and(2)encourage more individuals to get tested for Alpha–1 if they present symptoms: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate supports the designation of November 2022 as National Alpha–1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month.