IV
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 follow-
ing concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Com-
merce
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 In-
fectious 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 Micro-
biological Institute as the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in recognition of the
•HCON 335 IH
need for a coordinated scientific research program on in-
fectious, 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, ma-
laria, and influenza, immunologic diseases (including
asthma, allergies, and primary immune deficiency dis-
eases), 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 vac-
cines 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 nec-
essary tools to develop diagnostic tests, new and im-
proved treatments, vaccines, and other means to combat
microbial threats of today and those of the future;
Whereas research supported by the NIAID is making signifi-
cant progress in understanding the immune system and
its disorders, including the mechanisms of immune toler-
ance, 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;
•HCON 335 IH
Whereas this progress is vital to the field of organ transplan-
tation and may prove useful in treating autoimmune dis-
eases 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 diag-
nosis and treatment, and developing vaccines to prevent
infectious and immunologic diseases, thereby contributing
to the overall health of the American public and the peo-
ple 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 Na-
tional Microbiological Institute, now known as the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Dis-
eases;
(2) recognizes the research scientists, adminis-
trative 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 Insti-
tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and of the
commitment of the NIAID to advance knowledge
and improve health.
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