(Updated April 24, 2006)

H. Con. Res. 357
Supporting the Goals and Ideals of the National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Floor Situation

The House is scheduled to consider H.Con.Res. 357, under suspension of the rules, on  Tuesday April 25, 2006. The resolution is debatable for 40 minutes, may not be amended, and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage.

Summary

H.Con.Res. 357  honors the goals and ideals of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month and promotes further public awareness and understanding of cystic fibrosis. The resolution advocates increased support for people who have cystic fibrosis and their families while encouraging early diagnosis and access to quality care for people with cystic fibrosis to improve the quality of their lives. The  resolution also 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.

Background

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. Approximately 30,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis, more than half of them children. More than 10 million Americans are unknowing, symptom-free carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene. The average life expectancy of an individual with cystic fibrosis is 35 years, an improvement from a life expectancy of 10 years in the 1960s, but still unacceptably short.

One of every 3,500 babies born in the United States is born with cystic fibrosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all States consider newborn screening for cystic fibrosis. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation urges all States to implement newborn screening for cystic fibrosis to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment which improves health and longevity.

Prompt, aggressive treatment of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis can extend the lives of people who have the disease. Recent advances in cystic fibrosis research have produced promising leads in gene, protein, and drug therapies beneficial to people who have the disease. 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.

Although the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation continues to fund a research pipeline for more than two dozen 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. Education of the public about cystic fibrosis, including the symptoms of the disease, increases knowledge and understanding of cystic fibrosis and promotes early diagnosis. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will conduct activities to honor National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month in May, 2006.

Legislative History

H.Con.Res. 357 was introduced by Rep. Stearns (FL) on March 14, 2006. The resolution was reported from the Energy and Commerce Committee, by voice vote, on March 29, 2006.

For additional information or questions, please contact the Energy and Commerce Committee at 5-2927.