<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

The House of Representatives has, once again, acknowledged celiac
disease.  It has passed the funding bill for the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS), which includes the NIH.  The report language
detailed below was included in that legislation.  This language serves
as 'guidance' from Congress to the NIH to focus on certain issues (in
this case celiac disease).

A special round of thanks is due Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY) for
her tireless efforts on behalf of the celiac community.  Further thanks
go out to  Representative Ralph Regula (R-OH), Chairman, House
Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education, for his leadership
on this important bill.

We now wait to see what happens with the Senate version of the funding
bill, and whether it is passed before the Congress adjourns later this
month.

HR 5006; Passed House on Sept. 9, 2004
House Report. 108-636

"Celiac disease.--The Committee commends NIDDK for recognizing the lack
of understanding, and under-diagnosis of the genetic, autoimmune
disorder, Celiac disease (CD), and for including CD in the NIH
Consensus Development Program for 2004. Although readily diagnosed in
European countries, it takes on average eleven years for Americans to
be properly diagnosed. Delays in diagnosis place individuals at risk
for osteoporosis, anemia, miscarriages, and small bowel cancer. Current
evidence demonstrates that CD is the most common genetic disorder in
the world, with a treatment-- strict, gluten-free diet--that can be
managed almost exclusively by the individual, or family. Education
about CD is needed for health care professionals and patients. The
Committee encourages NIDDK to coordinate informational and educational
programs directed at health professionals, patients and the public to
raise awareness and understanding about CD, and the need for early
diagnosis."

A copy of the report is available at:
    thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/R?cp108:FLD010:@1(hr636):


Allison Herwitt
Co-Chair, Legislative Project
American Celiac Task Force
www.celiaccenter.org/taskforce.asp
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