(Updated September 25, 2006)
H.Res. 974
Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Myositis Awareness Day
Floor Situation
The House is scheduled to consider H.Res. 974, under suspension of the rules, on
Monday, September 25, 2006. It is debatable for 40 minutes, may not be
amended, and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage.
Summary
H.Res. 974 resolves that the
House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of a National Myositis
Awareness Day.
Background
An estimated 30,000 to 50,000
people are affected by myositis in the United States, many of whom remain
undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Myositis is a general term used to describe
swelling of the muscles, but the effects of the inflammatory myopathies (often
referred to as `myositis') are much more severe than just inflammation. Myositis
patients suffer from their immune systems attacking their body's own normal,
healthy tissue, resulting in inflammation or swelling.
Inflammatory myopathies are thought to be autoimmune diseases, such that the
body's immune system, which normally fights infections and viruses, does not
stop fighting once the infection or virus is gone. Myositis can cause muscle
weakness, and patients often live in chronic pain and have long-term health
problems that lead to permanent disability. Myositis is difficult to diagnose
and treatment is often delayed, resulting in unnecessary suffering.
Many patients with treatable forms of myositis often have severe long-term
disabilities because of failure to diagnose and/or treat the disease correctly.
Some myositis patients will die at a much earlier age than they would have if
they had received the proper care, particularly for the children who have
permanent scarring and deformities due to failure to treat properly.
The Myositis Association, the national patient advocacy organization serving the
myositis patient community, focuses its efforts on public policy, research
funding, patient services, and public awareness and education related to
developing effective treatments and a cure for myositis.
A National Myositis Awareness Day would educate communities across the Nation
about myositis and the need for research funding, accurate diagnosis, and
effective treatments.
Legislative History
H.Res. 974 was introduced by Rep. Israel
(NY) on July 28, 2005. The bill was ordered to be reported from the
Government Reform Committee, by unanimous consent, on September 21, 2006.
For additional information or questions, please contact the Government Reform Committee at 5-5074.