[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 143 (Thursday, November 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           NATIONAL INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AWARENESS WEEK

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                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2014

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Crohn's and 
Colitis patient community in observance of National Inflammatory Bowel 
Disease (IBD) Awareness Week. As the Co-Chair of the Crohn's and 
Colitis Caucus, I have enjoyed working with my colleague Ander Crenshaw 
to raise awareness of and improve access to treatments for IBD.
  Our caucus has worked to champion funding for IBD research at the 
National Institutes of Health (NIH). This has led to accomplishments 
like the identification of the first gene linked to Crohn's Disease 
(NOD/CARD15), which will lead to better treatments and a cure for IBD, 
and the discovery of Remicade, the only biologic drug for treatment of 
both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
  We have also been strong advocates for the IBD Epidemiology program 
at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This program 
yields invaluable information about the prevalence of IBD in the US and 
expands our knowledge about the demographic characteristics of this 
vulnerable population. The data derived from this study will not only 
provide an analysis of the etiology of the disease, but could also 
explain why the course of illness varies among individuals and what 
environmental or treatment factors improve patient outcomes.
  While there is currently no known cure for IBD, we can already see 
the importance of Congress's continued support of IBD research. 
National IBD Awareness Week offers the opportunity to build upon our 
efforts for the Crohn's and Colitis patient community.
  I have been honored by the opportunity to lead the Crohn's and 
Colitis Caucus, and I urge my colleagues to speak out in support of IBD 
research efforts and to raise awareness for IBD.

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