Political Quotes

“I rise today to express my appreciation for the passage of S. Res. 199 by unanimous consent last night. This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease, are chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract which afflict approximately 1.4 million Americans, 30 percent of whom are diagnosed in their childhood years. IBD can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and intestinal bleeding. Complications related to IBD can include: arthritis, osteoporosis, anemia, liver disease, growth and developmental challenges, and colorectal cancer. Inflammatory bowel disease is being diagnosed with increased frequency in children and can be especially devastating for these young patients and their families. Despite the prevalence of IBD, a lack of awareness among both the general public and health professionals may contribute to the misdiagnosis and mismanagement of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. S. Res. 199 will support efforts to increase awareness and education about these illnesses. It will also recognize the individuals and families who must contend with IBD as part of their daily lives, as well as the health care professionals who care for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients and the biomedical researchers who work to advance research aimed at the development of new treatments and a cure for these illnesses.…”