On the recordMarch 5, 2014
As a member of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, I rise today in support of continued funding for tuberous sclerosis complex research in the fiscal year 2015 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. TSC is a genetic condition that afflicts an estimated 50,000 Americans, causing tumors in the kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, eyes, skin, and brain. Researchers have linked TSC to seizures, autism, and severe intellectual disability. Research on this condition is also having a notable impact on our understanding of traumatic brain injury and other medical conditions, like cancer and diabetes. The TSC program at the Department of Defense is critical to our continued understanding of this condition. With me on the floor today, Mr. Speaker, is a beautiful little girl, Stephanie from Pennsylvania, who has been diagnosed with TSC. Her brave spirit brings light to the importance of this cause and helps remind us of others living with this condition across the United States. It is crucial that we continue to band together as a community and a legislative body to support this significant research initiative. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen). The Chair reminds Members not to refer to persons on the floor as guests of the House. ____________________
