[Congressional Bills 110th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Con. Res. 299 Introduced in House (IH)] 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 299 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 14, 2008 Mr. Markey (for himself and Mr. Stearns) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce _______________________________________________________________________ CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. Whereas cystic fibrosis is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases in the United States and one for which there is no known cure; Whereas the average life expectancy of an individual with cystic fibrosis is 37 years--an improvement relative to the 1960s when children with cystic fibrosis did not live long enough to attend elementary school, but still unacceptably short; Whereas approximately 30,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis, more than half of them children; Whereas one of every 3,500 babies born in the United States is born with cystic fibrosis; Whereas more than 10,000,000 Americans are unknowing, symptom-free carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene; Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all States consider newborn screening for cystic fibrosis; Whereas the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation urges all States to implement newborn screening for cystic fibrosis to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment which improves health and life expectancy; Whereas prompt, aggressive treatment of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis can extend the lives of people who have the disease; Whereas recent advances in cystic fibrosis research have produced promising leads in gene, protein, and drug therapies beneficial to people who have the disease; Whereas innovative research is progressing faster and is being conducted more aggressively than ever before, due, in part, to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's establishment of a model clinical trials network; Whereas although the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation continues to fund a research pipeline for more than 30 potential therapies and funds a nationwide network of care centers that extend the length and quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis, lives continue to be lost to this disease every day; Whereas education of the public about cystic fibrosis, including the symptoms of the disease, increases knowledge and understanding of cystic fibrosis and promotes early diagnosis; and Whereas the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will conduct activities to honor National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month in May, 2008: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress-- (1) honors the goals and ideals of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month; (2) promotes further public awareness and understanding of cystic fibrosis; (3) advocates for increased support for people with cystic fibrosis and their families; (4) encourages early diagnosis and access to high-quality care for people with cystic fibrosis to improve the quality of their lives; and (5) supports research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis by fostering an enhanced research program through a strong Federal commitment and expanded public-private partnerships. <all>