[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 155 (Wednesday, December 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2021-E2022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL MESOTHELIOMA AWARENESS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 29, 2010

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I introduced House Resolution 771 on 
September 24, 2009 to recognize the 3,000 Americans diagnosed with 
Mesothelioma each year and raise awareness about this rare form of 
cancer. After more than a year of work, a coalition of support came 
together to mark September 26, 2010 as the first ever ``National 
Mesothelioma Awareness Day.'' I have to thank 58 of my colleagues--both 
Democrats and Republicans--who co-sponsored this resolution and all the 
advocates for their work.
  Mesothelioma is an asbestos-linked cancer most often found in a 
person's chest, lungs, or

[[Page E2022]]

abdomen. More than a million Americans are exposed to dangerous levels 
of asbestos while on the job, including military personnel, 
firefighters, and construction workers. In fact, workers in our own 
Capitol complex are suffering from asbestos exposure. Many of these 
individuals are unaware of the risk at the time of exposure.
  Despite decades of warnings about the dangers of asbestos, too many 
Americans are still unaware of the devastating nature of this disease. 
Although over 50 countries have banned asbestos, the United States has 
not. It is found in millions of products sold in this country, 
including brake pads, roofing materials, and gaskets.
  The fight against Mesothelioma is a personal issue for me. In 2000, 
my friend and predecessor Congressman Bruce Vento was diagnosed with 
Pleural Mesothelioma. The news was devastating for his family, friends, 
and all of us in Minnesota that knew him. Bruce represented Minnesota's 
Fourth Congressional District from 1977-2000. During his service in 
Congress, he was tireless advocate on behalf of his constituents and a 
national champion for environmental protection and the rights of the 
homeless.
  Awareness is critical for early diagnosis and treatment. ``National 
Mesothelioma Awareness Day'' honors those living with Mesothelioma, 
those that have died from the disease, and their families. House 
Resolution 771 is an important step toward educating the nation about 
the causes of this deadly disease and the need for better treatments 
and additional research.
  I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support passage of this 
bipartisan resolution.

                          ____________________