[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 153 (Monday, November 29, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H7622-H7623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL MESOTHELIOMA AWARENESS DAY
Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 771) supporting the goals and ideals of a National
Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 771
Whereas mesothelioma is a terminal, asbestos-related cancer
that affects the linings of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or
testicles;
Whereas workers exposed on a daily basis over a long period
of time are most at risk, but even short-term exposures can
cause the disease and an exposure to asbestos for as little
as one month can result in mesothelioma 20-50 years later;
Whereas asbestos was used in the construction of virtually
all office buildings, public schools, and homes built before
1975 and asbestos is still on the United States market in
over 3,000 products;
Whereas there is no known safe level of exposure to
asbestos;
Whereas millions of workers in the United States have been,
and continue to be, exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos;
Whereas the National Institutes of Health reported to
Congress in 2006 that mesothelioma is a difficult disease to
detect, diagnose, and treat;
Whereas the National Cancer Institute recognizes a clear
need for new agents to improve the outlook for patients with
mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases;
Whereas for decades, the need to develop treatments for
mesothelioma was overlooked and today, even the best
available treatments usually have only a very limited effect
and the expected survival time of those diagnosed with the
disease is between 8 and 14 months;
Whereas mesothelioma has claimed the lives of such heroes
and public servants as Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Jr., and
Congressman Bruce F. Vento, and a high percentage of today's
mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos while serving
in the United States Navy;
Whereas it is believed that many of the firefighters,
police officers, and rescue workers from Ground Zero on
September 11, 2001, may be at increased risk of contracting
mesothelioma in the future;
Whereas the establishment of a National Mesothelioma
Awareness Day would raise public awareness of the disease and
of the need to develop treatments and enhance public
awareness for it; and
Whereas cities and localities across the country are
recognizing September 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of Mesothelioma Awareness
Day; and
(2) urges the President to issue a proclamation calling on
the people of the United States, Federal departments and
agencies, States, localities, organizations, and media to
annually observe a National Mesothelioma Awareness day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Clay) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
General Leave
Mr. CLAY. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5
legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Missouri?
There was no objection.
Mr. CLAY. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of House Resolution 771, a bill supporting the
goals and ideals of National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. This
resolution will
[[Page H7623]]
raise awareness of this often fatal disease. House Res. 771 was
introduced by our colleague, the gentlewoman from Minnesota,
Representative Betty McCollum on September 24, 2009. It was referred to
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform which ordered it
reported favorably on July 15, 2010. It comes to the floor today with
the support of over 50 cosponsors.
Madam Speaker, mesothelioma is a very difficult cancer to detect,
diagnose, and treat. Though relatively rare, with about 2,000 new cases
diagnosed each year, those diagnosed with mesothelioma have an expected
survival time of only 8 to 14 months.
Exposure to asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A
history of asbestos exposure in the workplace is reported in 70 to 80
percent of cases. Asbestos was a common building material before 1975
and is still found in over 3,000 products that are on the market today.
An exposure for as little as 1 month may lead to a diagnoses of
mesothelioma decades later.
Madam Speaker, mesothelioma is a serious and difficult-to-control
form of cancer, and there is much work to be done to find new treatment
options. Let us now show our support for the awareness of the disease
and need for these treatment options through the passage of House
Resolution 771. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today in support of H. Res. 771, supporting the goals and
ideals of a National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. It is a terrible
disease, form of cancer, debilitating ailment that is terminal. Madam
Speaker, many all over the world have suffered and died from this
disease, including a former Member of this body.
Bruce F. Vento, a Member who I served with for 19 years died of
mesothelioma in the year 2000. He represented Minnesota's Fourth
District for 12 terms until his death. I still remember the last time I
spoke to Mr. Vento. He was in the back rail there close to the
Democratic Cloakroom.
So I strongly support and thank the gentleman and gentlelady from
Minnesota for offering this and urge all Members to support it.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to join me in
support of this measure.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) that the House suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 771.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. CLAY. Madam 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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