[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 30 (Friday, February 16, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S2166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS--THURSDAY, 
                           FEBRUARY 15, 2007

      By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself, Mr. Bond, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Leahy, Mr. 
        Menendez, Mr. Craig, and Mr. Shelby):
  S. 626. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for 
arthritis research and public health, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, with more than 100 different forms, 
arthritis is one of the most widespread and devastating health 
conditions in the United States. Nearly 46 million, or one in every 
five, American adults suffer from arthritis or chronic joint symptoms, 
and 300,000 children live with the pain, disability and emotional 
trauma caused by juvenile arthritis.
  As the leading cause of disability in the United States, arthritis is 
a painful and debilitating chronic disease affecting men, women and 
children alike. This is why the Federal Government must make a stronger 
investment in research, treatment and prevention of arthritis.
  We know that early diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate management 
of arthritis can control symptoms and improve quality of life. The 
Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act will expand the Federal 
Government's efforts to find new ways to prevent, treat, and care for 
patients with arthritis and related rheumatic diseases by: (1) 
improving coordination among Federal agencies and the public with 
regard to the Federal investment in arthritis research and public 
health activities through a National Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases 
Summit; (2) accelerating research that will lead to improved treatments 
and a cure for juvenile arthritis; (3) investing in a nationwide public 
health initiative designed to reduce the pain and disability of 
arthritis through early diagnosis and effective treatment of the 
disease; and (4) ensuring kids with arthritis have access to specialty 
care by addressing the nationwide shortage of pediatric 
rheumatologists.
  We have a responsibility to look for solutions to this issue in a 
comprehensive manner. I look forward to working with Senator Kennedy on 
this important legislation which will make a real difference in the 
lives of the millions of Americans, both young and old, who suffer from 
this debilitating disease.

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