[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 7, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H4148-H4150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF SUN SAFETY

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 169) recognizing the importance of sun 
safety, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 169

       Whereas Americans of all ages cherish the pleasures of 
     outdoor activities, and too few recognize that overexposure 
     to the sun and its ultraviolet radiation, classified by the 
     Department of Health and Human Services as a known 
     carcinogen, is the leading cause of skin cancer;
       Whereas it is critically important to be safe in the sun 
     because skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in our 
     country today, affecting 1 in 5 Americans during their 
     lifetimes and killing 1 person every hour of every day;
       Whereas more than 1,000,000 new cases of skin cancer will 
     be diagnosed in the United States this year, accounting for 
     nearly half of all new cases of cancer and exceeding the 
     incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer 
     combined;
       Whereas most people receive approximately 80 percent of 
     their lifetime sun exposure by age 18, setting the stage for 
     skin cancer later in life;
       Whereas skin cancer is highly preventable by taking simple 
     precautions when engaged in outdoor activities;
       Whereas research demonstrates that practicing good sun 
     safety has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of 
     skin cancer;
       Whereas the Sun Safety Alliance and its members have 
     dedicated themselves to promoting sun safety, eliminating 
     skin cancer from excessive sun exposure, and encouraging sun 
     protection practices, especially among children; and
       Whereas the Sun Safety Alliance has designated the week of 
     June 5, 2005, to June 11, 2005, as National Sun Safety Week: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the importance of sun safety;
       (2) encourages all Americans to protect themselves and 
     their children from the dangers of excessive sun exposure;
       (3) congratulates organizations like the Sun Safety 
     Alliance for their efforts to promote sun safety and prevent 
     skin cancer; and
       (4) supports the goals and ideals of National Sun Safety 
     Week.

  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. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 169.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, today the House is considering H. Res. 169, a 
resolution that I have introduced with the gentlewoman from California 
(Ms. Eshoo), our colleague, to encourage sun safety. I want to thank 
the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Bono), the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Gene Green), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Boucher), and the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey), who also have cosponsored this 
resolution.
  H. Res. 169 is a straightforward resolution which encourages all 
Americans to protect themselves and their children from the dangers of 
excessive sun exposure. Most of us, especially those of us from the 
Sunshine State, enjoy the outdoors, though too few of us protect 
ourselves and our children from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays when 
engaged in outdoor activities.
  Skin cancer, Madam Speaker, is the fastest-growing cancer in our 
country today. One in five Americans will get some form of skin cancer 
during their lifetimes. More than one million new cases of skin cancer 
will be diagnosed in the United States this year, accounting for nearly 
half of all new cancer cases and exceeding the combined number of 
breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers that will be diagnosed in the 
coming year.
  Many people are surprised to learn that most of us receive nearly 80 
percent of our lifetime sun exposure by age 18, exposure which sets the 
stage for cancer later in life; and I would like to repeat that, Madam 
Speaker. Many people are surprised to learn that most of us receive 
nearly 80 percent of our lifetime sun exposure by age 18, exposure 
which sets the stage for cancer later in life. Therefore, it is 
critically important that we teach our children that sunburns are more 
than just the painful remnants of staying in the sun too long. They are 
potential killers that can cut short promising lives.
  The good news is that skin cancer is highly preventable by practicing 
good sun safety. Good sun safety means using sunscreen, wearing 
protective clothing and limiting sun exposure, especially during the 
hottest times when the sun's rays are at their most dangerous. Failing 
to do so, as we have

[[Page H4149]]

heard, can have serious and deadly consequences, especially for 
children.
  I hope and believe that passage of this resolution will raise 
awareness about sun safety, encourage people to protect themselves and 
their children from excessive sun exposure, help reduce health care 
costs and save lives.
  I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), the Committee 
on Energy and Commerce chairman, and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. 
Deal), the Subcommittee on Health chairman, for moving this resolution 
expeditiously through our committee and to the House floor. I certainly 
want to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), ranking member 
of the full committee, and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), the 
Subcommittee on Health's ranking member, for their support of this 
measure. I encourage all of our colleagues to join us in approving this 
simple but important resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I 
may consume.
  I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), my friend from 
the Sunshine State, and encourage people to travel to my State more 
often perhaps.
  As we head into summer months, it is crucial that Americans be aware 
of the risks involved in seemingly everyday activities: a day at the 
beach, a jog in the park, an afternoon out working in the yard.
  Overexposure to the sun's dangerous ultraviolet rays is a major risk 
and, largely because of increasing ozone depletion brought on in part 
by global warming, a bigger threat than ever to the public health. 
Every year in the United States there are nearly 60,000 new cases of 
melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Nearly 8,000 die every 
year from this disease.

                              {time}  1430

  When it comes to risk factors for skin cancer, and I quote from the 
American Cancer Society's list, ``unprotected and/or excessive exposure 
to ultraviolet radiation'' is at the top of that list. The sun's UV 
rays have been officially classified as a carcinogen by the United 
States Department of Health and Human Services.
  Yet a national survey released yesterday shows that the number of 
people using sunscreen declined by over 10 percent last year even as 
skin cancer diagnoses continue to rise. In light of these troubling 
statistics, I am happy to support this resolution introduced by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Eshoo). The resolution supports outreach and education 
efforts like National Sun Safety Week and the groups like the Sun 
Safety Alliance which work to keep the public informed of the risks of 
UV exposure.
  Sun Safety Alliance teams up health care professionals, educators, 
and corporate partners to focus on conveying this risk. When it comes 
to something as basic as being out in the sun, effective public 
awareness strategies are critical. One of the alliance's priorities is 
outreach to the youngest Americans. Children are at the highest risk of 
overexposure to UV rays. Most people receive some 80 percent of their 
lifetime sun exposure before their 18th birthday. It is essential that 
we shape and reinforce the right habits early.
  Madam Speaker, this resolution is an important step toward stopping 
an entirely preventable killer. Thousands of lives can be saved with 
the right understanding of what that prevention entails. I am pleased 
to support my colleagues and this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume, kill, or however else we may want to look at it.
  Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) 
supporting this legislation. We worked together for a number of years 
when I chaired that particular subcommittee; and there were times when 
we disagreed, but I enjoyed working with the gentleman. I appreciate 
the gentleman always being helpful and courteous and open-minded most 
of the time, not always open-minded, but most of the time. I appreciate 
the gentleman supporting this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, we have a lot of legislation on this floor, I suppose 
some Members would say much more impacting than this legislation is. 
Certainly a lot more high profile, if you will, and that sort of thing. 
But, honestly, as the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) agreed with me, 
what this can do to our children and grandchildren. My daughter-in-law 
has four sons, and she takes my four grandchildren to the beach a lot. 
They like the beach, and I caution them and remind her about the fact 
that 80 percent of these skin cancers are really developed before one 
reaches age 18 and the potential hazards of sun exposure.
  It is critical that the American people will be listening to us 
through this legislation, if you will, on the significance of being 
just as careful as we possibly can be regarding this disease. I have 
had two or three skin cancers, if you will, taken off my face over the 
years. I suppose many of us have. It is critical that we remember that 
and we educate the American people on this particular issue.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for 
the good years when we were colleagues on the Subcommittee on Health 
when he was the chairman and I was the ranking member and the good work 
we were able to do on most days.
  This resolution, as the gentleman points out, is not as important as 
some things. I would like to go a little further and talk about what 
all of this means in terms of global warming and some issues like that. 
I understand today is not the day to do that on this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
169, ``Recognizing the importance of sun safety.'' As incidences of 
skin cancer continue to rise, now affecting one out of every five 
people in the United States, sun safety is increasingly important to 
keeping Americans healthy.
  I would like to applaud the Sun Safety Alliance for its efforts to 
enhance national awareness of the importance of sun safety and the need 
for early childhood protection. I support the efforts by the Sun Safety 
Alliance to motivate the public to take necessary and appropriate 
actions to protect themselves and members of their family, especially 
young children from the dangers of developing skin cancer from over 
exposure to the sun's UV radiation.
  I hope that the designation of the week of June 5-11, 2005, to 
National Sun Safety Week will remind Americans of the dangers of over 
exposure to the sun and to encourage safe sun practice. Skin cancer can 
be a preventable disease if sun safety precautions are followed.
  Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support for H. Res. 
169, which recognizes the importance of sun safety and encourages all 
of us to protect ourselves and our children from the dangers of 
excessive sun exposure.
  As kids growing up in Hawaii, many of our best memories are tied to 
our world-renowned oceans and beaches and other outdoor environments: 
from catching waves to having pot-luck dinners or enjoying concerts or 
hiking. Given what we now know about the dangers of overexposure to 
ultraviolet radiation and its link to skin cancer, I believe that it is 
imperative that we stress sun safety as we continue to enjoy these 
outdoor activities with our families and friends.
  I have included an op-ed from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, written by 
my wife, Audrey, also a Hawaii native, which details the importance of 
early detection of preventable skin cancers--specifically skin cancers. 
Her thoughts say what we all need to know.
  Mahalo (thank you) for this opportunity to express support for H. 
Res. 169.

            [From the Honolulu Star Bulletin, May 23, 2005]

            Protect Your Skin Early and Often With Sunscreen

                            (By Audrey Case)

       Hawaii is a special place, where we spend time with family 
     and friends or just by ourselves enjoying wonderful outdoor 
     activities so much a part of our islands and culture.
       My earliest childhood memories are of Sundays after my dad, 
     an Episcopal minister, and my mom were pau with their duties 
     and would take all five of us kids to the beach for a swim 
     and a picnic dinner. We'd all come home sunburned and happily 
     tired. And my teen years with my friends were beach years as 
     well.
       We know so much more now about the sun's power than we did 
     even a decade ago. We know, for example, that the sunburns of 
     our childhood can lead to the skin cancer of

[[Page H4150]]

     our adulthood. We also know that all ethnicities can be 
     affected by skin cancer, not just fair-skinned people like my 
     husband Ed! Our family has seen some brushes with skin cancer 
     and gets checked by a doctor regularly, including Ed and me.
       May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. 
     As a member of Congressional Families Action for Cancer 
     Awareness, I have joined with the spouses of other members of 
     the U.S. House of Representatives to spread the message of 
     early detection of preventable cancers--specifically skin 
     cancers.
       Today, skin cancer is the most common and fastest-growing 
     form of cancer in the United States, affecting more than 1 
     million people each year. One person dies every hour from 
     melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. The American 
     Cancer Society estimates that in Hawaii there will be 150 new 
     cases of melanoma of the skin this year. And, the fact is, 
     many of these cancers could be prevented.
       Of course, we know now that we should protect our skin by 
     using sunscreen--SPF 15 or higher--and wearing protective 
     clothing. Don't forget your hat, lip protection and 
     sunglasses! And, we need to protect our skin in all weather--
     not just the summer.
       Perhaps our greatest opportunity for changing skin cancer 
     statistics rests with our children. Although most skin 
     cancers are diagnosed when people are older than 50, the 
     damage that causes skin cancer is done at an early age. Just 
     one blistering sunburn can double a child's lifetime risk of 
     developing skin cancer. If you are a parent, grandparent, 
     aunt, uncle, caregiver or friend, make sure the kids in your 
     life are protected.
       Help your teenagers understand the dangers of tanning beds, 
     which are at least as dangerous as the sun, and some studies 
     suggest they are more damaging. There are safer 
     alternatives--such as sunless tanning products and bronzers--
     if your teen insists on being tanned for prom night.
       Encourage your children's schools, health teachers and 
     school nurses to allow students to apply sunscreen before 
     recess. Encourage sports programs and coaches to have kids 
     apply sunscreen before practice and games.
       Examine your skin and your loved ones' skin monthly. Look 
     for: brown or black irregularly pigmented spots with uneven 
     margins; a slow-growing, raised, translucent, pearly nodule 
     that may crust, ulcerate or bleed; a change in sensation, 
     itchiness, tenderness or pain from a mole; a small, smooth, 
     shiny, pale or waxy lump on the skin; and any new mole.
       And remember the ABCD rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularly, 
     Color that is not uniform and Diameter greater than 6 
     millimeters--about the size of a pencil eraser.
       If you discover a suspicious growth while conducting your 
     monthly self-examination, have it checked by your doctor. 
     Because your risk of developing skin cancer increases as you 
     age, annual clinical exams are even more important after you 
     reach age 50.
       So by all means enjoy the sun and outdoors, but have a 
     healthy regard for the sun's strength and protect yourself 
     and those you love. Sun safety should not be neglected by 
     anyone. If we all take responsibility for ourselves and our 
     children, we can change skin cancer from being the fastest-
     growing cancer to one that is rare in future generations.

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Brown) who is usually much more verbose in subcommittee than here 
today. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mrs. Biggert) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 169, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________