Political Quotes

“today I wish to discuss S. Res. 408. I am delighted that the Senate has unanimously declared April as National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month for the fourth consecutive year. I would like to thank my friend and able colleague, Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, for joining me in this legislation. This resolution is very important to me and my family as my grandson Jim Beau is a CDH survivor. I specifically wanted to speak today, April 19, to commemorate Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Action Day. Charities and families in 60 countries and cities all over the U.S. are working together to raise CDH Awareness through State and town proclamations, lighted buildings, Parades of Cherubs, fundraisers, and other events. CDH is a birth defect that occurs when the fetal diaphragm fails to fully develop. The lungs develop at the same time as the diaphragm and the digestive system. When a diaphragmatic hernia occurs, the abdominal organs move into and develop in the chest instead of remaining in the abdomen. With the heart, lungs, and abdominal organs all taking up space in the chest, the lungs do not have space to develop properly. This may cause the lungs to be small and underdeveloped. A diaphragmatic hernia is a life-threatening condition. When the lungs do not develop properly during pregnancy, it can be difficult for the baby to breathe after birth, or the baby is unable to take in enough oxygen to stay healthy.…”