[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 93 (Wednesday, June 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF SCLERODERMA AWARENESS MONTH

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                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2013

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Scleroderma Awareness Month 
this June, I rise today in recognition of the 300,000 Americans with 
Scleroderma.
  Scleroderma is a chronic and disabling connective tissue and 
rheumatic disorder resulting from an overproduction of collagen in the 
skin, tissue, and underlying muscle. The word ``scleroderma'' means 
hardening of the skin, which is often one of the most visible 
manifestations of the disease. But scleroderma can also affect many 
other areas of the body including the heart, lungs, kidneys and 
gastrointestinal system.
  Given the unpredictable progression of the disease, Scleroderma, like 
many other autoimmune diseases, is difficult for medical practitioners 
to accurately diagnose and even more difficult to treat as there are 
currently no disease specific treatments. As we recognize the need for 
awareness of this troublesome disease, we can and must do more for the 
thousands of Americans who are diagnosed with this condition each year.
  This is why I authored H.R. 1429, the Scleroderma Research and 
Awareness Act. This bipartisan legislation coordinates and intensifies 
research and awareness of this disease, prioritizes the development and 
evaluation of new treatments options, and authorizes Director of NIH to 
pursue enhanced clinical and basic research related to Scleroderma. I 
want to thank my colleague, Representative Peter King (NY-02), for 
leading this bill with me and then 11 cosponsors who have already lent 
their support to this effort.
  I urge my colleagues join us in support of this important legislation 
providing for needed federal investment in this misunderstood disease.

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