[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1948-E1949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF 
                    ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANNE M. NORTHUP

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 1998

  Mrs. NORTHUP. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to submit a House Concurrent 
Resolution recognizing and honoring the 50th anniversary of the 
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. An identical 
resolution is being introduced in the Senate by my distinguished 
colleague, Senator Mack.
  As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee with 
jurisdiction over the National Institutes of Health, I have a great 
interest in biomedical research and efforts to improve the quality of 
our public health. In this century, much has been accomplished, 
including the eradication of smallpox and the near-eradication of 
polio, the control of other infectious diseases such as whooping cough 
and diphtheria, and improved treatments for diseases of the immune 
system. We continue to benefit from the development of new diagnostic 
tools, medicines, and vaccines that have improved the health of 
citizens in this country and abroad.
  The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has been 
responsible for many of our most important advances. NIAID began as the 
National Microbiological Institute, formed through the union of the 
Rocky Mountain Laboratory, the Biologics Control Laboratory, the 
Division of Infectious Diseases, and

[[Page E1949]]

the Division of Tropical Diseases of the NIH. In 1955, Congress renamed 
the Institute as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious 
Diseases, recognizing the need for a coordinated scientific research 
program on infectious, allergic, and immunologic diseases.
  Research supported by the Institute has resulted in numerous 
important advances, including the development of vaccines that have 
prevented the death of millions of Americans, new treatments to fight 
the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and novel interventions that 
have reduced the burden of childhood asthma.
  Much remains to be done, however. Infectious diseases remain the 
world's leading cause of death, and the third leading cause of death in 
the United States, and immune-mediated diseases such as asthma are a 
leading cause of disability and lost productivity. NIAID continues to 
lead the way in developing new ways to reduce the toll of these 
diseases.
  I am introducing this resolution today to demonstrate the support of 
the United States House of Representatives for the NIAID, the NIH, and 
all of the dedicated professionals who have devoted their lives to 
improving the quality of the Nation's health.

                          ____________________