[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 39 (Wednesday, April 13, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                           LUPUS LEGISLATION

  (Mrs. MEEK of Florida asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, once again I am asking my 
colleagues to join me in the fight against lupus by cosponsoring H.R. 
2420. The bill authorizes increased research into the causes and 
treatment of this widespread but enigmatic disease.
  Doctors estimate that there are about 500,000 Americans known to be 
suffering from lupus. It is estimated that another 500,000 have not 
been diagnosed. Known cases of lupus outnumber those of leukemia, 
muscular dystrophy, or multiple sclerosis.
  While lupus affects both men and women, 9 out of 10 people struck 
with lupus are women. The disease has its most significant impact on 
young women during the childbearing ages of 15 to 45.
  All ethnic backgrounds are stricken with lupus, but it attacks 
African-American, Hispanic, and some Asian and native American women 
three times more frequently than white women.
  Within those ethnic groups hardest hit, rarely is there a person who 
has not been directly or indirectly affected by a friend, relative, or 
loved one who is suffering from lupus.
  Perhaps the most discouraging aspect of lupus for the sufferer is the 
fact that there is no cure.
  Lupus organizations throughout the country have endorsed H.R. 2402. 
Many of them, from districts throughout the country, have contacted my 
colleagues.
  Let us not turn away. Let each of us assure the 1 million who now 
suffer that we will not choose to neglect their cry for help.
  Mr. Chairman, I hope it will be the pleasure of each of my colleagues 
to join me in this fight against lupus by cosponsoring H.R. 2420.

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