[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 168 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H11580-H11582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SUPPORTING GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in 
the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 48) supporting the goals 
and ideals of ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month'' and urging support 
for epilepsy research and service programs.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            S. Con. Res. 98

       Whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes 
     seizures and affects 2,300,000 people in the United States;
       Whereas a seizure is a disturbance in the electrical 
     activity of the brain, and 1 in every 12 Americans will 
     suffer at least 1 seizure;
       Whereas 180,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy are 
     diagnosed each year, and 3 percent of Americans will develop 
     epilepsy by the time they are 75;
       Whereas 41 percent of people who currently have epilepsy 
     experience persistent seizures despite the treatment they are 
     receiving;
       Whereas a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease 
     Control and Prevention demonstrated that the hardships 
     imposed by epilepsy are comparable to those imposed by 
     cancer, diabetes, and arthritis;
       Whereas epilepsy in older children and adults remains a 
     formidable barrier to leading a normal life by affecting 
     education, employment, marriage, childbearing, and personal 
     fulfillment;
       Whereas uncontrollable seizures in a child can create 
     multiple problems affecting the child's development, 
     education, socialization, and daily life activities;
       Whereas the social stigma surrounding epilepsy continues to 
     fuel discrimination, and isolates people who suffer from 
     seizure disorders from mainstream life;
       Whereas a significant number of people with epilepsy may 
     lack access to medical care for the treatment of the disease;
       Whereas in spite of these formidable obstacles, people with 
     epilepsy can live healthy and productive lives and make 
     significant contributions to society;
       Whereas November is an appropriate month to designate as 
     ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month''; and
       Whereas the designation of a ``National Epilepsy Awareness 
     Month'' would help to focus attention on, and increase 
     understanding of, epilepsy and those people who suffer from 
     it: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of a ``National Epilepsy 
     Awareness Month'';
       (2) requests the President to issue a proclamation 
     declaring a ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month'';
       (3) calls upon the American people to observe ``National 
     Epilepsy Awareness Month'' with appropriate programs and 
     activities; and
       (4) urges support for epilepsy research programs at the 
     National Institutes of Health and at the Centers for Disease 
     Control and Prevention.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).


                             General Leave

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Con. Res.48, the 
concurrent resolution now under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 
48, a concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National 
Epilepsy Awareness Month. This resolution urges funding for epilepsy 
research and service programs.
  More than 2 million people in the United States have epilepsy. 
Approximately 300,000 of those 2 million are children or adolescents. 
November has been designated as National Epilepsy Awareness Month to 
increase public awareness of this very debilitating disease.
  Epilepsy is a chronic condition that produces random, temporary 
changes in the brain's electrical activities. These changes cause 
seizures that affect awareness, movement, or sensation. Although there 
is currently no cure, there is medication available that can help to 
control seizures and to enable people with epilepsy to lead normal 
lives.
  I would like to acknowledge, I guess I will call them the mothers of 
this legislation, Senator Lincoln from the other body, and the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), my colleague from my home State, 
for their making us aware of this.
  As chairman of the Subcommittee on Health of the Committee on Energy 
and Commerce, Mr. Speaker, I believe it is important that Congress work 
to increase public awareness of epilepsy and to dispel any myths and 
stigma, and, gosh knows, even today, there is still some stigma 
associated with this disease, and to promote research into the causes, 
treatment, and possible cures.

                              {time}  1715

  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) 
again, and especially the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) 
for her work raising awareness about epilepsy. I would add that the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) is interested in this 
legislation in response to what constituents have told her, that when 
people come forward and express what is important to them, often a 
Member of Congress responds to their constituents and really goes to 
bat for them, and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) did 
that with this legislation.

[[Page H11581]]

  Epilepsy is a devastating and prevalent illness in our country. 
Ineffective treatment, delayed or lack of access to high-quality 
specialized care and the severity of the underlying neurological 
disorder are all possible contributors to the development of hard-to-
control seizures.
  Education and public awareness initiatives encouraging timely 
diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of severe brain 
damage. These strategies also can address damaging misconceptions which 
so many of us have about this disease. The resolution we are 
considering today recognizes the importance of our continuing fight 
against epilepsy,and the significant role the National Epilepsy 
Awareness Month plays in this effort. I hope my colleagues will join me 
in honoring the nearly 2.5 million Americans with epilepsy, will pass 
this resolution, and encourage all of us to take extra steps to combat 
this awful disease.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume 
to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown).
  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) for 
their leadership on this matter.
  Mr. Speaker, 25 million Americans, or one in every 10, will 
experience at least one seizure in their lifetime. At least 2.3 million 
Americans currently have epilepsy, but the effects of this disease 
extend to family members, caregivers, and employers.
  Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, 
unprovoked seizures. Seizure disorders can develop and strike at any 
time in life. Approximately one-third of the 181,000 new cases of 
epilepsy and seizures that develop each year begin in childhood, and as 
many as 44 percent of the people with epilepsy continue to have 
seizures despite treatment. While the disorder does not discriminate, 
the state of health care in this country is such that the impact is 
most heavily felt in minority communities. Currently, there is no cure.
  Epilepsy can be a formidable barrier to normal life, affecting 
educational attainment, employment, and personal fulfillment. The 
stigma associated with seizures and societal misconceptions about them 
remain as facts of life for many individuals with epilepsy and magnify 
the social effects of this condition. Increased health care costs 
result in an economic burden on individuals, families, communities, and 
society as a whole. A 3-year study, sponsored by the Epilepsy 
Foundation, to determine the financial cost to individuals and the 
Nation found that the annual economic cost is approximately $12.5 
billion. Of this, $1.7 billion is direct medical costs while $10.8 
billion is indirect costs such as lost earning power, social isolation, 
and widespread unemployment. The study also found marked divisions in 
costs among people with epilepsy whose seizures are well controlled and 
those who continue to experience seizures despite treatment.
  Another disturbing fact about this issue, African Americans and 
minority populations are suffering disproportionately. Once again, when 
this country gets a cold, the African American community gets 
pneumonia. The Epilepsy Foundation recently launched a diversity 
initiative with the goal of ensuring that all people with epilepsy have 
access to valuable services and information that help them manage their 
condition, monitor their health, and pursue the highest quality health 
care. The initiative was launched in response to disparities identified 
in health care access and quality of life with epilepsy who are members 
of minority communities.
  As our population continues to grow more diverse, these findings 
provide a wake-up call to the health care community that the health 
care quality divide is in danger of turning into a gulf. The Institute 
of Medicine reports that African Americans, Hispanics, and other 
minorities receive lower-quality health care than whites, even when 
income, age, and insurance status were considered.
  The disparities in health care delivery to minorities are real. The 
real challenge is to take the reality and develop solutions. Awareness 
is the first step. It is for this compelling reason that I ask you to 
join me in designating November 2003 as National Epilepsy Awareness 
Month. This resolution passed the Senate earlier this year, and it is 
now up to the House to ensure that this measure is recognized. Together 
we can make a difference in the lives of people struggling with the 
medical and social impact of this serious health condition. I ask 
Members to please join me in supporting S. Con. Res. 48.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to say how pleased I am to have 
worked with the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) on these suspensions 
here today. We have had a number of them. We have been here quite 
awhile, about 4 hours; and it is an illustration of what we can do if 
we work together. I would also like to express my appreciation to the 
staff on both sides of the aisle.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to echo the words of the gentleman from 
Florida (Chairman Bilirakis) and the cooperation that he always shows 
in putting together good legislation out of the Subcommittee on Health.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Emanuel).
  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. Con. 
Res. 48, recognizing the goals of National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
  Passing this resolution sends a strong signal of support to the 2.3 
million Americans who suffer from this heart-breaking condition and 
life-threatening condition, and most importantly to their families.
  Current treatments help for some, but not all. Twenty-five percent of 
all patients experience seizures which cannot be controlled, placing 
them in danger of irreversible damage. I applaud the continuing efforts 
of the researchers and medical professionals who improve the lives of 
those afflicted by epilepsy and who work towards its eventual cure. 
They deserve our unwavering support.
  I want to also recognize one Chicago-based organization, which I am 
intimately and personally involved with. Through nationwide grass roots 
efforts, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, or CURE, seeks to 
find a cure for pediatric epilepsy and to raise public awareness of the 
disease, and they deserve our thanks.
  Epilepsy is a cross-cultural condition that strikes people of all 
ages and income levels. In fact, 3 percent of all Americans will 
develop epilepsy by the time they reach age 75. Millions of people 
confront this tremendously challenging physical barrier to completing 
their education, working in the workplace, and supporting a family. 
Some must face this challenge without access to proper treatment.
  We must support the effort of the National Institutes of Health and 
the Centers for Disease Control in their continued pursuit to improve 
these treatments. We must expand access to these treatments to all 
afflicted Americans regardless of income. And we must increase 
awareness among the American people of the severity and prevalence of 
this health crisis.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank our colleagues in the Senate for passing this 
important resolution, as well as the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) 
and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown), and I strongly 
encourage my colleagues to support S. Con. Res. 48.
  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. Con. 
Res. 48, recognizing the goals of National Epilepsy Awareness Month. 
Passing this resolution sends a strong signal of support to the 2.3 
million Americans who suffer from this debilitating condition and to 
their families. It signals our commitment to raising awareness of 
epilepsy and to providing the research funding needed to eradicate this 
heartbreaking and life-threatening condition.
  Earlier this year, I circulated to my colleagues an article from the 
February 18th edition of the New York Times. It described mounting new 
evidence about seizures, its causes and effects, and the need for 
increasing research. There is growing awareness

[[Page H11582]]

among physicians and researchers that seizures can lead to brain 
damage, increased susceptibility to more frequent seizures, and even 
sudden death.
  There has been a dramatic increase in epilepsy research over the last 
decade, but there is still much work to be done. Twenty-five percent of 
epileptic patients have uncontrollable seizures. Current treatment does 
not prevent some patients from suffering seizures and irreversible 
damage. That is why we have a responsibility to expand research to 
improve these treatments.
  In my hometown of Chicago, one organization that is working to 
improve treatments for epilepsy is Citizens United for Research in 
Epilepsy, or CURE. CURE is a national organization founded by parents 
of children with epilepsy, which, through grassroots efforts, seeks to 
find a cure for pediatric epilepsy and to raise public awareness of the 
disease and its devastation.
  Epilepsy is a cross cultural condition that strikes people of all 
ages and income levels. In fact, 3 percent of all Americans will 
develop epilepsy by the time they reach age 75. That's 3 percent who 
must confront a tremendously challenging physical barrier to completing 
their education, contributing in the workplace, and supporting a family 
life. While it is a formidable and daunting challenge, there is good 
news. Although existing treatments may not cure epilepsy, they can 
certainly help patients confront the challenge and lead normal, 
productive and happy lives. The bad news is that not all Americans have 
access to these services. Because they lack the resources for 
comprehensive treatment, they, their families, and their communities 
suffer needlessly.
  We must support the efforts of the National Institutes of Health and 
the Centers for Disease Control in their continued efforts to improve 
these treatments. We must expand access to these treatments to all 
afflicted Americans regardless of income. And we must increase 
awareness among the American people of the severity and prevalence of 
this health crisis.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank our colleagues in the Senate for passing this 
important resolution, as well as the gentlelady from Florida, Ms. 
Brown, for introducing a companion resolution in the House. I also 
applaud the continuing efforts of the researchers and medical 
professionals who improve the lives of those afflicted by epilepsy, and 
who work towards its eventual cure. They deserve our unwavering 
support. I strongly encourage my colleagues to vote for S. Con. Res. 
48.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution, S. 
Con. Res. 48, supporting the goals and ideals of National Epilepsy 
Awareness Month.
  More than 2.3 million people in the United States have some form of 
epilepsy. Thirty percent of them are children under the age of 18. 
About 180,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy are diagnosed each 
year. A large number of children and adults have undetected or 
untreated epilepsy. Yet so many people know very little about the 
condition, including how to detect it, and how to treat it.
  I serve on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education 
Appropriations Subcommittee and have long advocated an increased 
federal commitment for both the research and treatment for adults and 
children with epilepsy. I have supported greater epilepsy research at 
the National Institutes of Health to study causes and cures of this 
neurological condition. I was honored to be a part of establishing the 
first epilepsy-specific program at the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention. And I am pleased that this year the House has provided $3 
million for the Health Resources and Services Administration to 
implement a demonstration public health program to serve people with 
epilepsy who lack access to adequate medical care. I hope that funding 
will be included in the final omnibus appropriations bill for this 
purpose.
  While the progress we have made so far in increasing research and 
improving public health strategies for epilepsy is important, we must 
also continue to increase awareness and education. By increasing 
awareness we can affect social attitudes, government programs, and the 
delivery of health care services for persons currently without 
treatment. We can improve efforts for prevention and treatment. And 
perhaps one day soon we can find a cure.
  In about 70 percent of epilepsy cases there is no known cause. Of the 
remaining 30 percent, the most frequent causes are head trauma (such as 
from a car accident, sports accident, or a fall), brain tumor, stroke, 
poisoning (including lead poisoning and alcoholism), infection, or 
maternal injury.
  But with treatment, people can achieve full or partial control of 
seizures in about 85 percent of cases. Drug therapy is often required 
treatment, and less often, surgery. Dietary changes can also sometimes 
control seizures.
  Improved prevention and treatment is dependent on improved awareness 
and education.
  This week many of us in Congress are discussing the need to provide 
seniors greater and improved access to prescription drugs. Seniors with 
epilepsy are no different. They need unimpeded access to, and coverage 
for, the critical anti-epileptic drugs that treat their condition. Many 
people with epilepsy are concerned about the availability of all anti-
epileptic drug options when enrolling in managed care plans. A Medicare 
bill that pushes seniors into managed care may not meet the needs of 
this population. When we consider the Medicare legislation before us, 
we must ensure that seniors, including seniors with epilepsy, should 
not be forced to worry about their drug coverage.
  I applaud this resolution and support the establishment of an annual 
Epilepsy Awareness Month.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Sweeney). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) that the House 
suspend the rules and concur in the Senate concurrent resolution, S. 
Con. Res. 48.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the Senate concurrent resolution 
was concurred in.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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