Political Quotes

“I know that you are very much aware of the devastation caused by polycystic kidney disease, better known as PKD. Our colleagues may be interested to know that this disease afflicts over 600,000 Americans, which is more than the combined total of cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy and Down's syndrome. That translates into an average of almost 1400 sufferers in each congressional district, or 12,000 in each state. PKD is the most prevalent life-threatening genetic disease, and is the third leading cause of kidney failure, resulting in almost $2 billion spent every year to treat end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation. End-Stage Renal Disease is the fastest growing part of Medicare, and I know we are all looking for ways to strengthen that important program. Mr. President, I would like to ask the Chairman if, in the context of the funding provided to the National Institutes of Health in this bill, could he tell us your intentions with regard to PKD research?”