IV 

113TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 199 

Expressing support for designation of May 2013 as ‘‘National Celiac 

Awareness Month’’. 

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; 


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•HRES 199 IH 

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; 


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•HRES 199 IH 

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 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) supports the designation of ‘‘National Celiac 

3 Awareness Month’’; 

4 (2) recognizes the efforts of advocates and or5 ganizations that encourage awareness, promote re6 search, and provide education, support, and hope to 

7 those impacted by celiac disease; 

8 (3) supports research funding to find a cure for 

9 celiac disease; and 

10 (4) supports and encourages all people in the 

11 United States to observe ‘‘National Celiac Aware12 ness Month’’ with appropriate events and activities. 

Æ 


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