(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.