[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 183 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H8012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CROHN'S AND COLITIS AWARENESS WEEK

  (Mr. JACKSON of Illinois asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of a 
resolution my friend Congressman Crenshaw and I introduced today 
supporting the goals and ideals of Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week, 
which begins today and runs through December 7, 2011.
  This resolution, which is identical to the Senate version adopted 
earlier this month, declares congressional support for Awareness Week, 
recognizes the patients living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative 
colitis, and commends the dedication of health care professionals and 
biomedical researchers who care for these patients.
  Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic disorders of the 
gastrointestinal tract. Affecting an estimated 1.4 million Americans, 
including 140,000 children under the age of 18, IBD remains the most 
prominent factor in morbidity caused by digestive illness.
  Again, thank you to my caucus cochair for working with me on this 
important resolution, my colleagues who have joined as cosponsors, as 
well as the Crohn's and colitis patients and their families, medical 
providers, and researchers for their advocacy.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this resolution and join the 
bipartisan Congressional Crohn's and Colitis Caucus, which advocates 
for enhanced patient care, treatment, and finding a cure for these 
debilitating diseases that impact both patients and their families.

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