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Expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives With Respect to Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

Floor Speech

Date: Oct. 15, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Science Health and Health Care


EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WITH RESPECT TO DIAMOND-BLACKFAN ANEMIA -- (House of Representatives - October 15, 2007)

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 524) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, as amended.

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Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as may consume.

I rise in support of H. Res. 524, expressing the sense of the House with respect to Diamond-Blackfan anemia, DBA.

DBA is a rare genetic bone marrow disorder affecting children and adults, 90 percent of whom are younger than 1 year of age when they are diagnosed. DBA results in severe anemia due to the failure to produce red blood cells. The symptoms may vary greatly, from very mild to severe and life-threatening. Unfortunately, because DBA is a rare disease, there is limited research being done, and treatment options are not optimal.

The resolution before us today as amended expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that we should encourage further efforts to clarify the natural history of DBA, continue efforts to raise awareness and ease access of information about DBA, encourage research efforts that will advance treatment options and seek a cure and encourage cross-institutional research initiatives to study the intricacies involved in this rare inherited disease.

This is an important piece of legislation, and I would like to acknowledge and thank my colleague Representative Carolyn McCarthy for her hard work and dedication on this issue. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, Diamond-Blackfan anemia is such a serious condition; and because it is such a rare disease, there is a real need for increased awareness and research. I commend my colleague Mrs. McCarthy for her advocacy on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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