[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 16, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H6843-H6845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 366) recognizing the 40th anniversary of the 
National Eye Institute (NEI) and expressing support for designation of 
2010 through 2020 as the ``Decade of Vision''.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 366

       Whereas vision impairment and eye disease is a major public 
     health problem, especially due to the aging of the 
     population, a disproportionate incidence of eye disease in 
     minority populations, and vision loss as a result of diabetes 
     and other chronic diseases, which costs the Nation 
     $68,000,000,000 annually in health care costs, lost 
     productivity, reduced independence, diminished quality of 
     life, increased depression, and accelerated mortality;
       Whereas 38,000,000 people in the United States age 40-plus 
     currently experience blindness, low-vision, or an age-related 
     eye disease, and this number is expected to grow to 
     50,000,000 by 2020, a year mid-way in the tidal wave of 
     78,000,000 baby boomers who will begin turning age 65 in 
     2010, and many of whom will continue working well beyond age 
     65;
       Whereas, in public opinion polls over the past 40 years, 
     people in the United States have consistently identified fear 
     of vision loss as second only to fear of cancer and, as 
     recently as a 2008 NEI study, 71 percent of respondents 
     indicated that a loss of their eyesight would have the 
     greatest impact on their life;
       Whereas, with wisdom and foresight, Congress passed the 
     National Eye Institute (NEI) Act (Public Law 90-489), which 
     was signed into law by President Johnson on August 16, 1968, 
     with the NEI holding the first meeting of its National 
     Advisory Eye Council (NAEC) on April 3, 1969;
       Whereas the NEI leads the Nation's Federal commitment to 
     basic and clinical research, research training, and other 
     programs with respect to blinding eye diseases, visual 
     disorders, mechanisms of visual function, preservation of 
     sight and the special health problems and needs of 
     individuals who are visually-impaired or blind, and to 
     disseminate information aimed at the prevention of blindness, 
     specifically with public and professional education 
     facilitated through its National Eye Health Education Program 
     (NEHEP);
       Whereas the NEI maximizes Federal funding by devoting 85 
     percent of its budget to

[[Page H6844]]

     extramural research that addresses the breadth of eye and 
     vision disorders, including ``back of the eye'' retinal and 
     optic nerve disease, such as age-related macular degeneration 
     (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, and concomitant 
     low vision, and ``front of the eye'' disease, including 
     corneal, lens, cataract, and refractive errors;
       Whereas the NEI research benefits children, including 
     premature infants born with retinopathy and school children 
     with amblyopia (``lazy eye'');
       Whereas the NEI benefits older citizens in the United 
     States by predicting, preventing, and preempting aging eye 
     disease, thereby enabling more productive lives and reducing 
     Medicare costs;
       Whereas the NEI has been a leader in basic research, 
     working with the NIH's Human Genome Project to translate 
     discoveries of genes related to eye disease and vision 
     impairment, which comprises one quarter of genes discovered 
     to date, into diagnostic and treatment modalities;
       Whereas the NEI has been a leader in clinical research, 
     funding more than 60 clinical trials, including a series of 
     Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Trials Networks, in association 
     with the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and 
     Kidney Disorders (NIDDK), which have developed treatment 
     strategies that have been determined by the NEI to be 90 
     percent effective and save an estimated $1,600,000,000 per 
     year in blindness and vision impairment disability costs;
       Whereas the NEI has been a leader in prevention research, 
     having reported from the first phase of its Age-Related Eye 
     Disease Study (AREDS) that high levels of dietary zinc and 
     anti-oxidant vitamins reduced vision loss in individuals at 
     high risk for developing advanced AMD by a magnitude of 25 
     percent, and in its second phase, is now studying the impact 
     of other nutritional supplements;
       Whereas the NEI has been a leader in epidemiologic 
     research, identifying the basis and progression of eye 
     disease and its disproportionate incidence in minority 
     populations such that informed public health policy decisions 
     can be made regarding prevention, early diagnosis, and 
     treatment;
       Whereas the NEI has been a leader in collaborative, trans-
     NIH Institute research, working with the National Cancer 
     Institute (NCI) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood 
     Institute (NHLBI) on factors that promote or inhibit new 
     blood vessel growth that has resulted in the first generation 
     of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ophthalmic 
     drugs to inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth in the ``wet'' 
     form of AMD, thereby stabilizing and often restoring vision;
       Whereas the NEI has been a leader in collaborative research 
     with other Federal entities, such that its bioengineering 
     research partnership with the National Science Foundation and 
     the Department of Energy has resulted in a retinal chip 
     implant, referred to as the ``Bionic Eye'', that has enabled 
     individuals who have been blind for decades to perceive 
     visual images;
       Whereas the NEI has been a leader in collaborative research 
     with private funding entities, such that its human gene 
     therapy trial with the Foundation Fighting Blindness for 
     individuals with Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a rapid 
     retinal degeneration that blinds infants in their first year 
     of life, has demonstrated measurable vision improvement even 
     within the initial safety trials;
       Whereas in the decade 2010 through 2020, the Nation will 
     face unprecedented public health challenges associated with 
     aging, health disparities, and chronic disease; and
       Whereas Federal support at the NEI and related Department 
     of Health and Human Services agencies is essential for the 
     prevention and early detection, access to treatment and 
     rehabilitation, and research associated with vision 
     impairment and eye disease: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the 40th anniversary of the National Eye 
     Institute (NEI), commends it for its leadership, and supports 
     its mission to prevent blindness and to save and restore 
     vision;
       (2) supports the designation of the ``Decade of Vision'' to 
     maintain a sustained awareness in the next decade of the 
     unprecedented public health challenges associated with vision 
     impairment and eye disease and to emphasize the need for 
     Federal support for prevention and early detection, access to 
     treatment and rehabilitation, and research; and
       (3) commends the National Alliance for Eye and Vision 
     Research (NAEVR), which serves as the ``Friends of the 
     National Eye Institute'', for its efforts to expand awareness 
     of the incidence and economic burden of eye disease through 
     its Decade of Vision 2010-2020 Initiative.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Wisconsin (Ms. Baldwin) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Wisconsin.


                             General Leave

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Wisconsin?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  This resolution recognizes the 40th anniversary of the National Eye 
Institute within the National Institutes of Health and designates the 
years 2010 through 2020 as the Decade of Vision.
  Eye disease is a significant public health problem. Those 
disproportionately affected by eye disease are our aging population, 
the African American and Hispanic communities, and those who suffer 
from chronic diseases, especially diabetes. The National Eye Institute 
estimates that eye disease and vision impairment currently cost the 
Nation $68 billion in health care costs, lost productivity, reduced 
independence, diminished quality of life, and accelerated mortality.
  The NEI leads our Nation's efforts to prevent blindness and to save 
and restore vision. The NEI has been a leader in both basic and 
translational research. Its researchers have been able to associate 
one-quarter of all genes discovered to date with eye disease and vision 
impairment. The NEI has conducted more than 60 clinical trials that 
have resulted in treatments and therapies to save sight and, in some 
cases, actually reverse vision loss.
  The National Eye Institute estimates that over the decade of 2010 to 
2020, the number of individuals over age 40 who experience blindness, 
low vision or age-related eye disease, such as age-related macular 
degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, will grow 
from today's level of 38 million cases to 50 million cases. As a 
result, the National Eye Institute's leadership, in directing vital 
vision research over the next decade, will be more important than ever.
  I have been pleased to work on this resolution with my coauthor Mr. 
Sessions of Texas. He has been a terrific coauthor and has worked very 
hard with me to bring this matter to the floor and to the attention of 
this Congress. I commend this resolution to my colleagues.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the gentlewoman's 
amendment. I want to thank Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin for not only 
working with me but also other members of my conference, the Republican 
Conference, on important issues related to eye and retinal health. I 
appreciate her recognizing today as the 40th anniversary of the 
National Eye Institute, H. Res. 366. Also I appreciate her dedication 
to people that are suffering with retinal and eye diseases; and these 
visions issues that we speak about today, as a result of our support 
and the support of the National Eye Institute, make a difference to 
thousands of people who have these eye diseases in their families.
  I am very proud of this resolution. Last Congress we, meaning Ms. 
Baldwin and I, joined together in support of National Glaucoma Day, and 
today we're here to recognize the 40th anniversary of the National Eye 
Institute and to express support for the designation of 2010 through 
2020 as the Decade of Vision.
  The National Eye Institute, also known as NEI, was established by 
Congress in 1968 to protect and prolong the vision of the American 
people. NEI research leads to sight-saving treatments, reduces visual 
impairment and blindness, and improves the quality of life of people of 
all ages.

                              {time}  1315

  Vision research has been supported through the NEI by over 600 
research grants and training awards made to scientists at more than 250 
medical centers, hospitals, universities, and other institutions across 
the country and around the world. With congressional and public 
support, the national investment in vision research has yielded 
substantial dividends to treat many potentially blinding eye diseases 
and visual disorders.
  Vision impairment and eye disease is a major public health problem 
for the world to face. As you have heard, vision-related costs here in 
the United States approach $68 billion annually. There are some 38 
million people in the United States over the age of 40 currently 
experiencing blindness, low vision, or age-related eye disease. This

[[Page H6845]]

number is estimated to increase to 50 million people by 2020.
  NEI benefits children born with eye diseases and vision loss, as well 
as older citizens and everyone else that fits in between. NEI actively 
works to predict, prevent, and preempt aging eye disease and visual 
impairment thereby enabling more productive lives and reducing vision 
costs.
  The National Eye Institute is the world leader in basic research with 
the National Institutes of Health's Human Genome Project to translate 
discoveries of genes related to eye disease and vision impairment which 
compromises one-quarter of genes, discovered to date, into diagnostic 
and treatment modalities.
  The NEI has been a leader in collaborative research with so many 
private funding entities such as the human gene therapy trial with the 
Foundation Fighting Blindness, or this lead organization known as FFB, 
for individuals with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rapid retinal 
degeneration that blinds infants in their first year of life. This 
trial has demonstrated measurable visual improvement even with initial 
safety trials.
  I am a big supporter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and the 
work that they have done in the past continues to carry out in our 
daily lives. This resolution recognizes the 40 years of service from 
the National Eye Institute and commends them for their leadership while 
supporting their mission to prevent blindness and save and restore 
vision.
  Additionally, this resolution designates 2010 through 2020 as the 
``Decade of Vision'' to maintain awareness in the next decade of public 
health challenges associated with vision impairment and eye disease, as 
well as to emphasize the need for prevention and early detection, 
access to treatment, and rehabilitation.
  Lastly, we commend the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research 
for its efforts to expand awareness of the incidence and economic 
burden of eye diseases through this Decade of Vision initiative.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of supporting not only this 40th 
anniversary but also to say that the United States Congress has what I 
believe is a realistic opportunity to work with the National Institutes 
of Health to make sure that we continue to push the envelope for people 
who are in this country and around the world who are counting on 
research and development to cure blindness during this Decade of 
Vision. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this 
resolution.
  I thank the gentlewoman from Wisconsin for her concentrated and 
special support of blindness issues. I look forward to working with 
her.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield 3 minutes to a 
fellow member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and a champion of 
vision issues, Mr. Green of Texas.
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. I would like to thank my colleague, who is a 
diligent and hardworking member of our Energy and Commerce Committee, 
for sponsoring H.R. 366, celebrating the Decade of Vision and the 
National Eye Alliance's 40th anniversary.
  As co-Chair of the Congressional Vision Caucus with a particular 
interest in vision health, I strongly support the National Eye 
Institute, which serves as the lead NIH institute that manages our 
Nation's commitment to save and restore vision.
  NEI research has contributed to the development of several critical 
therapies and interventions that are helping to slow the progression of 
vision impairment. In some cases, these therapies are helping to 
restore sight for individuals who may otherwise have lost their vision. 
Treatments for diabetic retinopathy that were developed by NEI 
researchers save our health care system more than $1.6 billion 
annually. Other NEI-funded research is resulting in treatments and 
therapies that are slowing the progression of vision impairment; in 
some cases, vision loss is even restored.
  Starting next year, the first wave of the 78 million baby boomers 
will begin turning 65 years old, an age of elevated risk for aging eye 
disease. Coupled with the disproportionate incidences of eye disease in 
the African American and Hispanic populations and the increased 
incidence of diabetic eye disease, the NEI will be challenged more than 
ever to fund basic and clinical research that results in treatment and 
therapies.
  As demonstrated by its past history, I am confident that the NEI will 
rise to this challenge, and, of course, we in Congress must work to 
ensure that it is adequately funded so that it can continue its 
research that benefits the health--and vision health--of all Americans.
  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I want to close by recognizing just a few 
of the champions of eye health and the warriors against eye disease 
from the district that I have the privilege of representing. And I 
know, like my coauthor, Congressman Sessions, we were drawn to this 
issue because of pioneering things that are happening in each of our 
respective districts.
  Dr. Paul Kaufman is a leading eye researcher at the University of 
Wisconsin, Madison, and a major partner of the National Eye Institute. 
And I want to commend and recognize his groundbreaking research.
  Also, a technology called BrainPort is being developed in my district 
by a company called Wicab with the support of National Eye Institute 
funding, and this technology is helping the blind to find new ways to 
process visual information. These sort-of breakthroughs are so exciting 
and really go back to the importance of celebrating the accomplishments 
to date and the future potential through the National Eye Institute 
with our support.
  Again, I commend my colleagues' support of this resolution.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Baldwin) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 366.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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