[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 132]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            THE PULMONARY FIBROSIS RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JASON ALTMIRE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 19, 2012

  Mr. ALTMIRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a cause 
of great importance, the fight against Pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary 
fibrosis is a disorder of the lungs that, over time, deprives its 
victims of their ability to breathe normally. An estimated 200,000 
Americans currently suffer from Pulmonary fibrosis, and 48,000 
additional cases are diagnosed each year. Sadly, the disease claims 
40,000 lives every year, yet there is no known cause, and even worse, 
no cure. Despite the prevalence of Pulmonary fibrosis, it remains 
virtually unknown to the public.
  That is why I was proud to cosponsor the Pulmonary Fibrosis Research 
Enhancement Act in the past, and why I believe it is important to do so 
again in the 112th Congress. This bill would require the creation of a 
National Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry to collect data, expand research 
for prevention, and generate much needed awareness for the individuals 
who suffer from Pulmonary fibrosis, and the loved ones who care for 
them. It would also create a national advisory board that would report 
to Congress, convene a national summit, and foster greater coordination 
among federal agencies to better facilitate information in an effort to 
better understand the disease.
  The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis is a group of dedicated 
individuals who together are working to raise awareness in the hopes 
that one day we can discover the cause of Pulmonary Fibrosis, as well 
as a treatment and cure. In August 2011, the Coalition held an 
inaugural walk/run to raise money for Pulmonary Fibrosis in Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania. The event was a great success. Over 270 people 
participated, and they raised over $28,000.
  The Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act is a crucial step in 
the fight towards increasing public awareness and understanding of the 
disease. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this worthy 
cause, and this important piece of legislation.