[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 32 (Monday, February 29, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H1034-H1035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            RARE DISEASE DAY

  (Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on Rare 
Disease Day to raise awareness about this important issue and to 
advocate for those who are impacted.
  A medical condition is considered rare if fewer than 200,000 people 
in the U.S. are known to be living with that particular disease.
  But while each disease affects a relatively small segment of the 
population, with over 7,000 different diseases that fall into this 
category, rare diseases are not uncommon. In fact, 1 in 10 Americans is 
affected.
  I want to commend our researchers at the NIH and in hospitals and 
research facilities in my district and across the U.S. who have risen 
to the distinct challenges posed by rare diseases.
  These men and women work tirelessly to remain on the cutting edge of 
medical breakthrough in their search for new treatments and cures, and 
they deserve our full support.
  So, too, do the parents, advocates, and those afflicted who spend 
their time raising awareness and educating policymakers on issues 
impacting rare diseases.
  I also want to remind us all that there is much left to be 
accomplished. In the time it takes for one new drug to be developed, 
tested, and approved for general use, countless other diseases have 
been newly discovered, leaving us with more questions than answers. 
That is why the House has taken a critical step by passing the 21st 
Century Cures Act.

[[Page H1035]]

  As a member of the Rare Disease Caucus, I urge my colleagues in both 
Chambers to advance this bipartisan initiative. On this Rare Disease 
Day and every other day, let us remember that the stakes are high and 
families are counting on us.

                          ____________________