[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 82 (Wednesday, May 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 INTRODUCTION OF DIABETES RESEARCH ACT

                                 ______


                          HON. ELIZABETH FURSE

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday May 17, 1995
  Ms. FURSE. Mr. Speaker, diabetes research is at a crossroads. Earlier 
this year, leading scientists and researchers from across America 
gathered in Washington, DC, at the Capitol Summit on Diabetes Research 
to release the white paper. The white paper demonstrated that diabetes 
research has reached a critical point, and that immediately increasing 
our focus could yield substantial and dramatic breakthroughs. Recent 
evidence indicates that a cure, or improvements in other disease 
management techniques, are within our reach to improve the quality of 
life for 14 million Americans who are affected by diabetes.
  Today, along with Mr. Nethercutt, I am proud to introduce the 
Diabetes Research Act. This legislation would substantially increase 
the funds available for diabetes research at the National Institutes of 
Health. In light of the scientific revelations brought forth by leading 
researchers and endocrinologists, we must adopt a long-term strategy to 
deal with the problem of diabetes in America. As a nation, diabetes and 
its tragic complications cost our Nation over $100 billion every year. 
Everyday, thousands of people go blind, have extremity amputations, or 
develop heart disease as a result of diabetes. We can make a difference 
if we only heed the call of the people who are on the front lines 
fighting this dreadful disease. The Diabetes Research Act answers that 
call.
  I believe this bill could also be called the Priorities Act of 1995. 
In order to balance the budget and still invest in our Nation's future, 
we must have an open and honest discussion with the American people 
about our priorities. Tomorrow I am going to introduce three bills to 
create budgetary savings of $1.5 billion, a portion of which could be 
used to pay for increased diabetes research funds. In sum, I believe 
diabetes research should be a priority and encourage my colleagues to 
follow my lead and make recommendations on how to pay for it.
  My own daughter has diabetes. She is one of millions of Americans who 
live with this disease everyday, and I am so proud of her. I am also 
grateful to all the national diabetes organizations to gave their 
insight into the development of this legislation. I urge all my 
colleagues here in the House to cosponsor the Diabetes Research Act, 
cosponsor a bill to pay for it, and then let the thousands of people 
with diabetes in your community know you are working for their future.


                          ____________________