[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 173 (Tuesday, December 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL IBD AWARENESS WEEK

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                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2015

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of those affected by 
Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis, or Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 
(IBD), in observance of National IBD awareness week.
  IBD affects over 1.6 million Americans, and there is no known cause 
or cure. The unpredictable nature of these painful and debilitating 
diseases creates a significant burden on the community and the economy 
with more than $2.2 billion in direct and indirect healthcare costs.
  As co-chair of the Crohn's and Colitis Caucus, I am dedicated to 
educating the American public and other Members on awareness of IBD. We 
must do all we can to assist research dedicated to finding cures for 
IBD and improve the quality of life for those affected by these 
diseases.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize IBD Awareness Week and the 
millions of Americans suffering from these diseases. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in observance of National IBD Awareness Week.

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