[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ARTHRITIS PREVENTION, CONTROL, AND CURE ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my 
legislation, H.R. 1210, the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure 
Act. I have fought long and hard for this bill alongside the Arthritis 
Foundation, the American College of Rheumatology, and the thousands of 
advocates across the country who understand how important this is. The 
legislation enjoys the bipartisan support of 181 Members of the House, 
and passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously.
  One out of every five adults suffers from arthritis, making it the 
most common cause of disability in the United States. More than 300,000 
children suffer from juvenile arthritis. Early diagnosis for this 
disease is critical to ensure children get access to the right doctor 
and the care they need.
  My bill will authorize the ``National Arthritis Action Plan,'' giving 
legislative direction and leadership to a program which has proven 
successful since 1998. The Plan distributes important grants to states 
and nonprofits to carry out arthritis outreach and education 
activities. The bill expands the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services' authority to increase juvenile arthritis research at NIH, and 
authorizes important institutional training grants to increase the 
number of pediatric rheumatologists in the U.S.
  I'm proud of the work I've done to raise awareness about the 
devastating effects of arthritis but I'm far prouder of the tireless 
work of the arthritis advocates who have walked these halls, called 
their Representatives, and shared their stories. Their grassroots 
efforts are at the heart of this bill and I'm so pleased we could work 
on this together.
  Passage of the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act is also a 
tribute to my friend, Senator Edward Kennedy, as we introduced this 
legislation together in the 110th Congress. His commitment to public 
health, improving care for children, and ending suffering are the 
principles which guided everything he did and I know he's looking down 
on us today and smiling.

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