[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


ACQUIRED BONE MARROW FAILURE DISEASE RESEARCH AND TREATMENT ACT of 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1230, 
the Acquired Bone Marrow Failure Disease Research and Treatment Act.
  Every year, it is estimated that between 20,000 and 30,000 Americans 
are diagnosed with some form of acquired bone marrow failure disease.
  This classification of diseases, which include myelodysplastic 
syndromes (commonly known as MDS), aplastic anemia, paroxysmal 
nocturnal hemoglobinuria (known as PNH), and others, take a 
debilitating and deadly toll on those diagnosed, forcing patients and 
families to deal with significant health, social, and economic 
hardships.
  In some cases, MDS can even progress over time to become leukemia, 
which affects hundreds of thousands of Americans in its own right.
  And while individuals stricken with these conditions can take some 
action to prolong their lives, this diagnosis offers little hope that 
affected patients will ever fully recover.
  In light of this, I introduced the Acquired Bone Marrow Failure 
Disease Research and Treatment Act to enhance and intensify current and 
future efforts in the fight against bone marrow failure diseases.
  This legislation would support increased research on these still 
relatively unstudied diseases, including what genetic and environmental 
factors may be associated with the condition and best practices for the 
diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.
  In addition, the bill would authorize coordinated outreach and 
informational programs targeted to minority populations affected by 
these diseases, including information on treatment options and clinical 
trials research.
  These provisions are critical to the individuals affected by bone 
marrow failure diseases and their families, as it would bring both 
tangible progress to fighting these diseases, and provide hope to those 
who have suffered their effects.
  This bill has bipartisan support, 62 cosponsors, and has incorporated 
suggestions from both sides of the aisle.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend our Leadership and thank Chairman Waxman and 
Chairman Pallone and their staff for bringing H.R. 1230 to the floor, 
and for their commitment to protecting the health of all Americans.
  I urge my colleagues to support passage of this important 
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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