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. MCGOV-
ERN, Ms. BORDALLO, Ms. MOORE, Mr. CONYERS, and Mr. RANGEL) sub-
mitted 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 dis-
ease; 
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 intes-
tine; 
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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, de-
pression, 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 af-
fects children, women, and men in every age group; 
Whereas delays in the diagnosis of celiac disease result in in-
creased health care costs to patients, employers, and the 
Federal Government; 
Whereas other serious autoimmune disorders such as rheu-
matoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome 
are associated with delays in the diagnosis of celiac dis-
ease; 
Whereas 10 percent of persons with type 1 diabetes have ce-
liac 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 neu-
ropathy 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 Protec-
tion 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 informa-
tion 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 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘National Celiac 
Awareness Month’’; 
(2) recognizes the efforts of advocates and or-
ganizations that encourage awareness, promote re-
search, 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 Aware-
ness Month’’ with appropriate events and activities. 
Æ 
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