[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               LUPUS RESEARCH AND CARE AMENDMENTS OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 10, 2000

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H.R. 762, the Lupus Research and Care Amendments of 2000, of which I 
am a proud co-sponsor. This important legislation will provide vital 
funding to strengthen research activities and extend medical care for 
poor or uninsured individuals suffering from this disease.
  While lupus affects nearly 2 million Americans, this is a disease 
that disproportionately affects women, and especially African American, 
Hispanic American, Asian American, and Native American women. Women are 
nine times more likely to develop lupus than men. I have women friends 
who have been diagnosed with lupus, thus I know first hand how 
devastating this disease can be on individuals and families.
  In Metropolitan Kansas City and the state of Missouri combined, there 
are approximately 29,565 persons diagnosed with lupus. Fortunately, the 
Kansas City and Missouri Chapters of the Lupus Foundation of America, 
Inc., among other groups, coordinate excellent support services for 
those affected by this disease.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in full support of H.R. 
762, because there is not yet a cure for lupus, and there are still too 
many people diagnosed with this disease who do not receive the medical 
care and support they need. I applaud the commitment of this Congress 
to enact this important measure.

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