IV 
114TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 874 
Expressing support for designation of the month of September as ‘‘Rheumatic 
Disease Awareness Month’’, in recognition of the costs imposed by rheu-
matic diseases, the need for increased medical research, and the quality 
care provided by trained rheumatologists. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 20, 2016 
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 Sep-
tember 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 esti-
mated 78,000,000 people in the United States by the 
year 2040; 
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•HRES 874 IH 
Whereas 300,000 children live with some form of rheumatic 
disease; 
Whereas it is estimated that the economic burden of rheu-
matic disease is at least $128,000,000,000 annually, in-
cluding more than $80,000,000,000 in medical expendi-
tures 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 stiff-
ness, 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 treat-
ments 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 com-
munity support services are needed to ensure patients re-
ceive timely, affordable, safe, and effective treatments 
and have access to trained rheumatologists who can pro-
vide quality care to those living with these diseases; and 
Whereas September would be an appropriate month to des-
ignate as ‘‘Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month’’: Now, 
therefore, be it 
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•HRES 874 IH 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘Rheumatic 
Disease Awareness Month’’, in recognition of the 
costs imposed by rheumatic diseases, the need for in-
creased medical research, and the quality care pro-
vided by trained rheumatologists; 
(2) pledges to celebrate the contributions of 
trained rheumatologists in each district; and 
(3) encourages the people of the United States 
to celebrate the contributions of researchers and 
health care providers in serving those living with 
rheumatic diseases and to support efforts to find an 
effective cure. 
Æ 
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