[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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