IV 

115TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 506 

Expressing support for designation of the month of September as ‘‘Rheumatic 

Disease Awareness Month’’, in recognition of the costs imposed by rheumatic diseases, the need for increased medical research, and the quality 

care provided by trained rheumatologists. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 

Mr. MCKINLEY (for himself and Ms. ESHOO) submitted the following 

resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for designation of the month of September as ‘‘Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month’’, in 

recognition of the costs imposed by rheumatic diseases, 

the need for increased medical research, and the quality 

care provided by trained rheumatologists. 

Whereas rheumatic diseases are chronic, progressive, painful 

conditions and the leading cause of disability in the 

United States; 

Whereas rheumatic diseases now affect nearly 1 in 4 people 

in the United States and are expected to affect an estimated 78,000,000 people in the United States by the 

year 2040; 


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•HRES 506 IH 

Whereas 300,000 children live with some form of rheumatic 

disease; 

Whereas it is estimated that the economic burden of rheumatic disease is at least $128,000,000,000 annually, including more than $80,000,000,000 in medical expenditures and $47,000,000,000 in annual indirect costs such 

as lost earnings; 

Whereas research suggests the cause of rheumatic disease is 

a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but 

the exact cause of these diseases is still unknown; 

Whereas the symptoms of rheumatic diseases vary depending 

on the individual and the disease, but may include joint 

or muscle pain, inflammation, swelling, redness or stiffness, eye irritation and inflammation, general fatigue, 

malaise, and fevers, hair loss, dry eyes or mouth, chest 

pain, seizures, or stroke; 

Whereas there is currently no cure for rheumatic diseases, 

but medical research breakthroughs have led to treatments and therapies that can dramatically improve the 

quality of life for those living with rheumatic diseases; 

Whereas rheumatologists, researchers, patients, caregivers, 

and other advocates are working to improve the quality 

of life for people living with rheumatic diseases; 

Whereas health care policies, research, education, and community support services are needed to ensure patients receive timely, affordable, safe, and effective treatments 

and have access to trained rheumatologists who can provide quality care to those living with these diseases; and 

Whereas September would be an appropriate month to designate as ‘‘Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month’’: Now, 

therefore, be it 


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•HRES 506 IH 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) supports the designation of ‘‘Rheumatic 

3 Disease Awareness Month’’, in recognition of the 

4 costs imposed by rheumatic diseases, the need for in5 creased medical research, and the quality care pro6 vided by trained rheumatologists; 

7 (2) pledges to celebrate the contributions of 

8 trained rheumatologists in each district; and 

9 (3) encourages the people of the United States 

10 to celebrate the contributions of researchers and 

11 health care providers in serving those living with 

12 rheumatic diseases and to support efforts to find an 

13 effective cure. 

Æ 


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