[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 44 (Monday, March 21, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H1469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RED TIE CHALLENGE FOR BLEEDING DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. LONG asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take the National Hemophilia 
Foundation's Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month Red Tie Challenge, in 
recognition of more than 3 million Americans who suffer with 
debilitating bleeding disorders like hemophilia or Von Willebrand 
disease, which prevent blood from clotting naturally.
  It is currently estimated that more than 400,000 people worldwide 
suffer from hemophilia alone, and 75 percent of them either lack 
adequate treatment or have no access to treatment.
  Also, Von Willebrand disease occurs genetically and is believed to be 
the most common bleeding disorder. It is estimated to affect 1 percent 
of the United States population.
  If these problems are not treated effectively, these problems can 
result in extended bleeding after injuries, surgery, or trauma, and can 
be fatal for those suffering with them.
  This March is the first Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, which 
further underscores the need for legislation like the 21st Century 
Cures package, which will spur greater medical research and innovation 
when it becomes law.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my fellow colleagues to also take the Red Tie 
Challenge so these millions of Americans suffering with bleeding 
disorders will be helped.

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