Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1210 would enhance our Nation's efforts to combat arthritis. I am a cosponsor of the legislation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 46 million Americans have arthritis, though the number is expected to increase as the country's population ages. The Centers for Disease Control also estimates that almost 300,000 children have arthritis. This bill will help in the fight against arthritis in the following ways: First, the bill would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a national arthritis action plan. Second, it would allow the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants for arthritis research, surveillance, and education. Third, the bill would permit the National Institutes of Health to expand its research into children with rheumatic diseases. Finally, the bill would allow Health and Human Services to award grants to increase the number of pediatric rheumatologists. I have spoken with several rheumatologists who have discussed the importance of this legislation. Unfortunately, those in need of rheumatologists, especially pediatric rheumatologists, often have very few options. This bill is an important first step in addressing a critical workforce shortfall. I am a cosponsor of the legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.”