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[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 335 Introduced in House (IH)]

105th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 335

 Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the National Institute of Allergy 
            and Infectious Diseases, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 7, 1998

   Mrs. Northup (for herself and Mr. Young of Florida) submitted the 
following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
                                Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 
 Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the National Institute of Allergy 
            and Infectious Diseases, and for other purposes.

Whereas November 1998 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the 
        National Microbiological Institute, predecessor of the National 
        Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, under authority of section 
        202 of the Public Health Service Act;
Whereas the Institute was formed through the combination of the Rocky Mountain 
        Laboratory, the Biologics Control Laboratory, and the Divisions of 
        Infectious Diseases and Tropical Diseases of the National Institutes of 
        Health;
Whereas in 1955 Congress renamed the National Microbiological Institute as the 
        National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in 
        recognition of the need for a coordinated scientific research program on 
        infectious, allergic, and immunologic diseases;
Whereas the research conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and 
        Infectious Diseases encompasses infectious diseases such as acquired 
        immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis, sexually transmitted 
        diseases, malaria, and influenza, immunologic diseases (including 
        asthma, allergies, and primary immune deficiency diseases), 
        transplantation immunology, and the development of new diagnostic 
        therapies and vaccines for infectious diseases;
Whereas research supported by the NIAID continues to yield promising advances, 
        including the development of vaccines against human immunodeficiency 
        virus (HIV) and the identification of effective treatment regimens for 
        childhood asthma;
Whereas the continued threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, 
        such as tuberculosis, poses a risk to health worldwide;
Whereas research supported by the NIAID provides the necessary tools to develop 
        diagnostic tests, new and improved treatments, vaccines, and other means 
        to combat microbial threats of today and those of the future;
Whereas research supported by the NIAID is making significant progress in 
        understanding the immune system and its disorders, including the 
        mechanisms of immune tolerance, which refers to the ability of the 
        immune system to distinguish between cells and tissues that are ``self'' 
        and those that are foreign or ``non-self'', such as a pathogen, tumor, 
        or transplanted organ;
Whereas this progress is vital to the field of organ transplantation and may 
        prove useful in treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid 
        arthritis and multiple sclerosis; and
Whereas the Congress intends that the National Institute of Allergy and 
        Infectious Diseases continue its innovative leadership in delineating 
        pathogenesis, improving diagnosis and treatment, and developing vaccines 
        to prevent infectious and immunologic diseases, thereby contributing to 
        the overall health of the American public and the people of the world: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) recognizes the historic significance of the 50th 
        anniversary of the establishment of the National 
        Microbiological Institute, now known as the National Institute 
        of Allergy and Infectious Diseases;
            (2) recognizes the research scientists, administrative 
        staff, professional societies, and patient groups of the NIAID 
        for their active participation in support of the research 
        programs and goals of the NIAID; and
            (3) reaffirms its support of the National Institute of 
        Allergy and Infectious Diseases and of the commitment of the 
        NIAID to advance knowledge and improve health.
                                 <all>
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