[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 92 (Thursday, June 5, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION RESOLVING TO ADDRESS THE COSTLY OBESITY 
    EPIDEMIC BY IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE ACCESS TO AND 
 PROMOTION OF NUTRITION, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND HEALTH CARE IN ALL OF 
                            CONGRESS'S WORK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2008

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to introduce a 
resolution to address the obesity epidemic by identifying opportunities 
in all of Congress's work to increase access to and promotion of 
nutrition, physical activity, and healthcare.
  According to recent estimates, by the time the 111th Congress takes 
office, 73 percent of American adults could suffer from excess weight 
or obesity. Nearly 20 percent of our children already struggle with 
overweight and obesity. The Department of Health and Human Services 
estimates the current cost of the epidemic to be almost $120 billion 
annually. The impact of this reality is vast and it is clear that the 
time for action is now.
  Obesity is a complex problem and there is no single legislative 
action that will solve our country's growing epidemic. Instead, 
addressing obesity will require a wide range of policy, environmental, 
cultural, and personal changes to truly affect meaningful change. We 
are fortunate that opportunities abound to have a positive impact on 
reversing the current trend thru legislation as diverse as a cap on 
carbon dioxide emissions, Medicare reform, the tax code, transportation 
policy, and the reauthorization of ``No Child Left Behind.''
  Congress must work in a bipartisan fashion to identify the 
opportunities within all major legislative actions to promote health in 
every policy. In doing so, we can address the obesity epidemic on 
multiple fronts by improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, 
and expanding access to care. It is my sincere hope that we can work 
together to enact legislation that will result in a healthy, active and 
vibrant society. Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution and 
pledging to identify meaningful opportunities to turn the tide on 
America's obesity epidemic.

                          ____________________