H.Res. 199 — Introduced in House

IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 199 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 6, 2013 Ms. McCollum (for herself, Mrs. Lowey, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Bordallo, Ms. Moore, Mr. Conyers, and Mr. Rangel) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of May 2013 as National Celiac Awareness Month. Whereas celiac disease is one of the most common genetic conditions in the world; Whereas 1 in 133 people in the United States, the equivalent of 1 percent of the Nation’s population, has celiac disease; Whereas 95 percent of people in the United States with celiac disease remain undiagnosed; Whereas the grains wheat, rye, and barley contain a protein which triggers an immune response in persons with celiac disease, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine; Whereas the only course of treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to the medically prescribed gluten-free diet; Whereas individuals with celiac disease may have a range of symptoms including anemia, weight loss, abdominal pain, osteoporosis, short stature, diarrhea, constipation, depression, and migraines; Whereas the length of time for an adult to be diagnosed with celiac disease is 6 years from the onset of symptoms; Whereas celiac disease is a serious life-long condition that affects children, women, and men in every age group; Whereas delays in the diagnosis of celiac disease result in increased health care costs to patients, employers, and the Federal Government; Whereas other serious autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome are associated with delays in the diagnosis of celiac disease; Whereas 10 percent of persons with type 1 diabetes have celiac disease; Whereas individuals with Down syndrome are at increased risk of having celiac disease; Whereas 30 percent of new diagnoses occur in persons over the age of 60; Whereas 10 percent of people with celiac disease suffer from associated neurological conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and ataxia; Whereas the United States will host the 15th International Celiac Disease Symposium (ICDS) in Chicago, Illinois, in September 2013; Whereas the global conference will bring together experts in the study, treatment, and management of celiac disease and gluten-related disorders; Whereas the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 mandated the establishment of Federal standards for gluten-free foods to aid persons with celiac disease; Whereas individuals with celiac disease need basic information about food product ingredients to effectively manage their chronic health condition; and Whereas the 2004 National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Celiac Disease found that consultation with a skilled dietitian and identification and treatment of nutritional deficiencies were key elements in the management of celiac disease: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of National Celiac Awareness Month; (2) recognizes the efforts of advocates and organizations that encourage awareness, promote research, and provide education, support, and hope to those impacted by celiac disease; (3) supports research funding to find a cure for celiac disease; and (4) supports and encourages all people in the United States to observe National Celiac Awareness Month with appropriate events and activities.