[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 1, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     HYDROXYUREA IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SICKLE CELL SUFFERERS

  (Mr. HASTINGS of Florida asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I join with my chorus of 
colleagues who come here advocating against an increase in interest 
rates in this country.
  But more importantly, I come today, to inform the House of a new 
scientific breakthrough that could mean relief for thousands of 
Americans. It was announced the day before yesterday that researchers 
at Johns Hopkins have found that the drug hydroxyurea can alleviate 
some of the painful symptoms associated with sickle cell anemia, such 
as incapacitating pain in the abdomen, joints, and back.
  Sickle cell anemia affects people whose ancestors come from Africa, 
the Middle East, the Mediterranean basin, and India. Sickle cell 
affects 1 in 12 African-Americans. African-American males suffering 
from this disease live an average of 42 years and African-American 
women live an average of 46 years.
  Although hydroxyurea, according to scientists, is not a cure for this 
deadly disease, it is an effective agent for improving the quality of 
life for those who suffer from sickle cell. I urge the FDA to quickly 
approve the use of hydroxyurea.

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