[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF A HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING INCREASED FEDERAL 
            FUNDING FOR JUVENILE (TYPE 1) DIABETES RESEARCH

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                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce 
legislation which urges Congress to increase federal funding for Type 1 
diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes.
  Type 1 diabetes is a devastating illness that affects over 1 million 
Americans, many of whom are diagnosed as children. This serious disease 
robs children of their innocence and independence, and burdens its 
victims with a lifetime of finger-sticks, shots, and fear of dreaded 
complications. Even with a strict regimen of insulin injections, blood-
glucose monitoring, diet and exercise, people with Type I diabetes are 
at severe risk for blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart 
disease and stroke.
  The burden of diabetes is felt by all Americans. Americans spend $105 
billion each year on the direct and indirect costs of this disease. One 
of every four Medicare dollars is spent on beneficiaries with diabetes, 
and one in ten health care dollars overall are spent on individuals 
with this disease disease.
  There is great promise that a cure for Type 1 can be found in the 
near future. Advancements in genetic research, transplantation and 
immunology, and research into potential vaccines all hold the potential 
to eliminate Type 1 diabetes. But if we are to find a cure, we in 
Congress must find the money to pay for it.
  The Diabetes Research Working Group (DRWG), a Congressional appointed 
panel of experts in diabetes research, issued a report in 1999 that 
indicates the need for a significant increase in diabetes research. The 
DRWG recommended a $4.1 billion increase for diabetes research over a 
five year period. Congress must heed this report. This legislation I am 
introducing today recognizes the particular burden of Type 1 diabetes, 
and the need to follow the recommendations of the DRWG.
  Mr. Speaker, full funding for diabetes research will help eradicate 
this devastating illness, save billions of health care dollars, and end 
the unnecessary suffering of millions of Americans.
  During the previous Congress, this legislation was passed by 
unanimous consent, but with the pending budget fight and potential cuts 
to the NIH budget, it is imperative that the Congress raise its voice 
in support of finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes. I urge all of my 
colleagues to join me in our fight against this disease.

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