IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 199 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; 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; 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

That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of National Celiac Awareness Month ; (2) recognizes the efforts of advocates and organizations that encourage awareness, promote research, 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 Awareness Month with appropriate events and activities.