[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H1029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              FIFTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL RARE DISEASE DAY

  (Mr. LANCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, today, February 29, marks the fifth annual 
International Rare Disease Day, a day devoted to bringing attention to 
the needs of those with rare diseases.
  There are nearly 7,000 rare diseases. Research opportunities remain 
difficult; and approved therapies are scarce, despite the fact that 
rare or orphan diseases afflict nearly one in 10 Americans. 
Bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of research incentives add to the 
challenges of those with rare or orphan diseases and the organizations 
that serve them.
  As cochairman of the Rare Disease Caucus with my colleague, 
Congressman Joseph Crowley, I am committed to working in a bipartisan 
capacity with like-minded Members, policy advocates, and families 
across the Nation to increase awareness and education of rare diseases.
  It is through greater awareness that we are able to bring hope to 
those who suffer from rare and orphan diseases.

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