[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6]
[House]
[Pages 7792-7795]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 268) supporting the goals and 
ideals of National Women's Health Week, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 268

       Whereas women of all backgrounds should be encouraged to 
     greatly reduce their risk of common diseases through 
     preventative measures, such as engaging in regular physical 
     activity, eating a nutritious diet, and visiting a healthcare 
     provider to receive regular check-ups and preventative 
     screenings;
       Whereas significant disparities exist in the prevalence of 
     disease among women of different backgrounds, including women 
     with

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     disabilities, African-American women, Asian/Pacific Islander 
     women, Latinas, and American Indian/Alaskan Native women;
       Whereas healthy habits should begin at a young age;
       Whereas preventative care saves Federal dollars designated 
     for health care;
       Whereas it is imperative to educate women and girls about 
     key female health issues;
       Whereas it is recognized that offices of women's health 
     within the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food 
     and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, 
     the National Institutes of Health, and the Agency for 
     Healthcare Research and Quality are vital in providing 
     critical services that support women's health research, 
     education, and other necessary services that benefit women of 
     all ages, races, and ethnicities;
       Whereas the annual National Women's Health Week begins on 
     Mother's Day and celebrates the efforts of national and 
     community organizations working with partners and volunteers 
     to improve awareness of key women's health issues; and
       Whereas in 2010, the week of May 9 through May 15 is 
     designated National Women's Health Week: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Women's 
     Health Week; and
       (2) requests that the President of the United States issue 
     a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States 
     and interested groups to observe National Women's Health Week 
     with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Towns) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 
5 legislative days in which to revise and to extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. TOWNS. I now yield myself as much time as I might consume.
  I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 268, recognizing National Women's 
Health Week. This week marks the 11th annual Women's Health Week, a 
weeklong observation of women's health issues. It is a great 
opportunity for us to discuss and promote research on the benefits of 
healthy habits, including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and 
regular checkups and screenings. I'm heartened that the Department of 
Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health takes time every 
year to coordinate the efforts of national and community organizations 
to promote healthy choices and educate all Americans on female health 
issues. I thank them for all of their hard work.
  As the resolution notes, it is imperative to educate women and girls 
about issues that may impact their health, as they may face unique 
health risks at any age. Further, the resolution notes that significant 
disparities exist in the prevalence of disease among women of different 
backgrounds, including women with disabilities, African American women, 
Asian Pacific Islander women, Latinas, and American Indian and Alaskan 
Native women. In order to empower all women to take the necessary 
measures to be as healthy as possible, we must work to promote health 
education, research, and healthy lifestyles.
  On that note, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 268, supporting the goals and 
ideals of National Women's Health Week. National Women's Health Week 
begins on Mother's Day each year. During this week, individuals, 
families, communities, businesses, government, and other groups work 
together to encourage women and their families to increase their 
awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, 
and medical checkups. Hopefully others will follow their lead, with 
children and spouses learning the benefits and fun of regular exercise, 
good nutrition, and other preventive measures which really do have 
lifelong positive consequences. I urge my fellow Members to join me in 
supporting H. Con. Res. 268.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. TOWNS. H. Con. Res. 268 was introduced by my colleague, the 
gentleman from New York, Representative Maurice Hinchey, on April 27, 
2010. It was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government 
Reform, which reported it favorably by unanimous consent on May 6, 
2010. The measure enjoys the support of over 50. I thank the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Hinchey) for introducing this measure, and I hope we 
can all stand behind it.
  I also would like to thank the gentleman from California, Congressman 
Issa, and all the staff who worked to make this a reality. I encourage 
my colleagues to vote for this measure.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
strong support of H. Con. Res. 268 to support the goals and ideals of 
National Women's Health Week.
  As a non-practicing registered nurse, I know from firsthand 
experience how important it is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining 
a good diet, exercising, and making good life decisions are incredibly 
important to the wellbeing of any person. This week, on National 
Women's Health Week, we focus our attention on the importance of 
women's health so that we can encourage women to lead better, 
healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
  Women play vital roles in the family unit as mothers, grandmothers, 
sisters, and daughters. It is often the case that in offering care for 
others, women themselves forget to address their own healthcare needs. 
It is no surprise that when the health of a mother decreases, so too, 
does the health of her family. As women take on larger roles in the 
workplace and are forced to balance the needs of family and career, 
they are even less likely to place an emphasis on their own needs and 
health. For this reason, it is incredibly important that we emphasize 
the importance of women's health during this week.
  Women, too, have some very specific healthcare needs that are 
important to highlight during National Women's Health Week. Breast 
cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis are just a few of the major 
diseases that can affect women, and it is important that they are 
screened for and receive adequate treatment for these ailments. 
Additionally, women are disproportionately faced with higher healthcare 
costs and because of this they many times have reduced access to care 
compared with men.
  Mr. Speaker, National Women's Health Week seeks to address the health 
needs of women so that all Americans can lead better lives. The role of 
women in our society is remarkably important, and it is imperative that 
women understand their own healthcare needs as well as have access to 
affordable care. Because of this, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me 
today in supporting this resolution for the betterment of women across 
the country.
  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National 
Women's Health Week. It is during this week that the Office on Women's 
Health, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, urges 
women to focus on their health.
  We need to tell all the women in our lives; our mothers, wives, 
sisters, daughters, aunts and friends how important it is to take time 
out for their health.
  Last year I was honored to be part of a Women's Health Summit on 
cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of women in the United 
States. At the summit women heard from leading doctors and researchers 
how there are simple steps you can take to prevent heart disease, from 
exercise to diet--small changes can make a big difference.
  Additionally, I must recognize that many of the advances in medicine 
that have been made have come from women working together--as 
physicians, lawyers, researchers, advocates and Members of Congress. 
This collaboration has been a powerful catalyst for the advances we 
have made in the research and treatment of breast, ovarian, and 
cervical cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
  So, today, Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage all of America's women to 
take a moment to focus on promoting health and preventing disease and 
illness by taking simple steps to improve their physical, mental, 
social, and spiritual health.
  As we celebrate National Women's Health Week and the achievements 
made to improve the health and well being of women, I urge my 
colleagues to take a moment to make a much stronger commitment to 
promoting women's health in this country.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Con. Res.

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268, ``Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women's Health 
Week.'' First and foremost I would like to thank my distinguished 
colleague from New York, Representative Maurice Hinchey for introducing 
this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, it is vital we recognize that women need to take better 
care of their health. Starting this week from May 9th to May 15th, 
families, communities, businesses, government, health organizations and 
other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take 
to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease.
  It is crucial that women have knowledge about the health risks that 
confront them and that greater action is taken to reduce those risks 
through preventative measures such as a healthy lifestyle and regular 
medical screenings. With just a small amount of preventative care 
through exercise and doctor visits, women can drastically cut back on 
serious health risks that threaten to cut their life span.
  Mr. Speaker, I reiterate once again, that it is a very well known 
fact that improving the health of all women will improve the health of 
the whole community. It is a well known fact that improving health for 
women improves health for everyone. Research indicates that when women 
take care of themselves, the health of their families improves along 
with theirs.
  Women are known to be the caregivers of the family. Women are known 
to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of their families. During 
National Women's Health Week it is of great importance we encourage our 
mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and aunts to go take time out for 
themselves. It is essential that women educate themselves on different 
steps to take on improving their lifestyle, health and lower the risks 
of certain diseases. Some of the most common preventative measures that 
can be taken are the following: getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes 
of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous 
physical activity, or a combination of both each week, eating a 
nutritious diet, visiting a health care professional to receive regular 
checkups and preventive screenings, paying attention to mental health, 
including getting enough sleep and managing stress. In addition, it is 
important that women start taking care of themselves at an early age. 
If they start early, they are more likely to stick to these habits, 
thus in turn, maintaining healthier families and communities.
  In Houston and all across America, it is important that women do 
everything they can do to lead healthier lives. In this spirit, I 
encourage women to get the necessary check-ups and preventative 
screenings from their health care providers so they can live long, 
healthy and productive lives.
  Once again it is important to remind our mother's, sisters, 
grandmothers and aunts that when they take care of themselves, they in 
turn are taking care of their families and community.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the 
actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing the importance 
of women's health in our society. I am proud to be an original 
cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 268, which empowers women to make their 
health a top priority.
  Mother's Day marked the start of National Women's Health Week. This 
observance is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services' Office on Women's Health. This resolution encourages women to 
take small steps to improve their health and reduce their risk for many 
diseases.
  This resolution reaffirms the sense of the House that all women must 
have access to medical services and receive fair treatment. Many women 
have faced significant obstacles in caring for themselves and their 
families. This is why I voted with a majority of the House to pass 
health care reform. Health care reform has lowered costs for women, and 
prohibits insurance companies from overcharging because of gender or 
denying coverage because of a preexisting condition. Health care reform 
has improved women's access to medical services by requiring new health 
care plans to cover preventative care, routine screenings, and regular 
checkups.
  During National Women's Health Week, it is important to encourage our 
wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts to make 
time to improve their health, and prevent disease. When women make 
their health a priority and take small, manageable steps to improve 
their health, the results can be significant and our entire nation 
benefits. The health of women is not just a women's issue, but an 
American issue that affects all of us.
  May 10th was National Women's Checkup Day. I urge all women in my 
district, who have not done so already, to make an appointment with 
their health care professional. Also, I encourage the women in 
Georgia's Fourth District to take advantage of the educational events, 
workshops, and conferences taking place in Atlanta this week.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution which encourages 
women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H. Con. 
Res. 268, which supports the goals and ideals of National Women's 
Health Week and requests that the President of the United States issue 
a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States and 
interested groups to observe National Women's Health Week with 
appropriate ceremonies and activities. This is an important measure 
that will increase public awareness of the critical issue of women's 
health.
  I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to 
the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, 
Congressman Hinchey, for his dedication to ensuring that women's health 
is a national priority.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important that our nation adopt a heightened focus 
on the issue of women's health. Women of all backgrounds should be 
encouraged to reduce their risk of common diseases through preventative 
measures, such as engaging in regular exercise, eating a nutritious 
diet, and visiting a healthcare specialist to receive regular checkups 
and preventative screenings. These healthy habits begin at a young age 
and so we must stress the importance of preventative health measures to 
children in homes and schools across the country.
  Unfortunately, there is a high prevalence of disease and health 
complications among minority women. African-American women, Asian-
American women, and American Indian women all face a high risk of 
contracting diseases. As the representative of a district that is home 
to large African American and Latino populations, as well as the 
largest Cambodian population in the country, I understand the crucial 
importance of improving public awareness about women's health and the 
unique health challenges for minority women.
  Thanks to the historic passage of health care reform, we have taken a 
giant step in the right direction for women's health. All Americans 
will have access to affordable, quality care and no longer will women 
be discriminated against by insurance companies. We owe it to all women 
in this country--now and in future generations--to continue this effort 
to increase awareness regarding women's health.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res 268.
  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
honor of mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends across America.
  This Sunday, as I celebrated my first Mother's Day as a mom, I was 
reminded of the importance of a healthy family.
  As moms, we set a foundation for our families--whether it is putting 
on the sunscreen or scheduling check-ups--we set the example for our 
children.
  One reason I worked so hard to pass the Affordable Care Act is to 
empower moms and their children.
  Thanks to the healthcare reform law, women will no longer be excluded 
from insurance for pre-existing conditions, pay higher premiums than 
men, or forced to pay sky-rocketing out-of-pocket costs for basic 
health services like preventive screenings and maternity coverage.
  As a working mom, I know how easy it is to put our own health on the 
back burner behind work, family, or school.
  Mother's Day marked the beginning of National Women's Health Week, a 
time to encourage women to make their health a top priority and 
recommit to improving the health of women for generations to come.
  Women's health is not just a women's issue. When we have healthy 
moms, we encourage the vitality of our children and our communities.
  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 268.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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