[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S4973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 792--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF 
 NOVEMBER 2022 AS ``NATIONAL ALPHA-1 ANTITRYPSIN DEFICIENCY AWARENESS 
                                MONTH''

  Mr. SCOTT of Florida (for himself and Mr. Rubio) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions:

                              S. Res. 792

       Whereas an estimated 1 in every 2,500 individuals in the 
     United States have the genetic disorder alpha-1 antitrypsin 
     deficiency (referred to in this preamble as ``Alpha-1'');
       Whereas there are an estimated 19,000,000 carriers of 
     Alpha-1 in the United States who may pass Alpha-1 on to their 
     children;
       Whereas Alpha-1 can lead to lung destruction and is often 
     misdiagnosed as asthma or smoking-related chronic obstructive 
     pulmonary disease (COPD);
       Whereas Alpha-1 symptoms relating to the lungs include--
       (1) shortness of breath;
       (2) wheezing;
       (3) chronic bronchitis;
       (4) recurring chest colds;
       (5) less exercise tolerance;
       (6) year-round allergies; and
       (7) bronchiectasis;
       Whereas Alpha-1 occurs when there is a lack of a protein in 
     the blood called alpha-1 antitrypsin, which is mainly 
     produced by the liver;
       Whereas Alpha-1 symptoms relating to the liver include--
       (1) unexplained liver disease or elevated liver enzymes;
       (2) eyes and skin turning yellow, known as jaundice;
       (3) swelling of the abdomen, known as ascites, or legs; and
       (4) vomiting blood;
       Whereas Alpha-1 is the most commonly known genetic risk 
     factor for emphysema;
       Whereas Alpha-1 can affect individuals at any age;
       Whereas Alpha-1 cannot be diagnosed by symptoms or by a 
     medical examination alone;
       Whereas individuals who may have Alpha-1 must take a blood 
     test to confirm a diagnosis;
       Whereas early diagnosis and avoiding risk factors, such as 
     smoking, can help prevent Alpha-1 from causing disease; and
       Whereas November 2022 would be an appropriate month to 
     designate as National Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency 
     Awareness Month to--
       (1) raise awareness about Alpha-1; and
       (2) encourage more individuals to get tested for Alpha-1 if 
     they present symptoms: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate supports the designation of 
     November 2022 as ``National Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency 
     Awareness Month''.

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