H10016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 29, 2009 Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of As noted by the Philadelphia In- the United States, with the disease occurring my time. quirer, Coach Johnson’s Eagles career in approximately 1 in 500 newborn African- Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, on behalf will be remembered as ‘‘one of the fin- American infants, 1 in 1,000 newborn His- of the Committee on Oversight and panic-Americans, and is found in persons of est decades of defensive football in the Greek, Italian, East Indian, Saudi Arabian, Government Reform, I am proud to Eagles’ history, and when the chapter Asian, Syrian, Turkish, Cypriot, Sicilian, present House Resolution 693 for con- about the top of the 21st century is and Caucasian origin; sideration. This resolution serves to written about this football team, the Whereas more than 2,000,000 Americans honor the life and accomplishments of name Jim Johnson will be mentioned have the sickle cell trait, and 1 in 12 African- NFL coaching legend Jim Johnson, as prominently.’’ Americans carry the trait; well as extend our condolences to the In addition to his professional accom- Whereas there is a 1 in 4 chance that a Johnson family on his passing. plishments, Coach Johnson will be child born to parents who both have the sickle cell trait will have the disease; The measure before us was intro- equally remembered as a loving hus- Whereas the life expectancy of a person duced on July 29, 2009, by my colleague band to his wife, Vicky; a dedicated fa- with Sickle Cell Disease is severely limited, who spoke earlier, Representative BOB ther to his son, Scott, and daughter, with an average life span for an adult being BRADY of Pennsylvania. Michelle; and an endearing grandfather 45 years; Whereas, though researchers have yet to b 1515 to four grandchildren. Regrettably, Coach Johnson passed identify a cure for this painful disease, ad- This measure was reported out of the away in July of 2009 at the age of 68. vances in treating the associated complica- tions have occurred; Oversight Committee on September 4, Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that we can 2009, by unanimous consent. Whereas researchers are hopeful that in honor the life and accomplishments of less than two decades, Sickle Cell Disease Additionally, House Resolution 693 Coach Jim Johnson, as well as express has been cosponsored by over 50 Mem- may join the ranks of chronic illnesses that, our sincerest condolences to his family, when properly treated, do not interfere with bers of Congress and enjoys strong sup- through the passage of House Resolu- the activity, growth, or mental development port from the members of the Pennsyl- tion 693. I urge my colleagues to join of affected children; vania House delegation. me in supporting this resolution. Whereas Congress recognizes the impor- Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 693 I reserve the balance of my time. tance of researching, preventing, and treat- ing Sickle Cell Disease by authorizing treat- honors the life and accomplishments of Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Mr. Jim Johnson, whose celebrated ment centers to provide medical interven- Members to support the passage of tion, education, and other services and by football career spanned over 40 years at House Resolution 693, and I yield back the collegiate level and with the Na- permitting the Medicaid program to cover the balance of my time. some primary and secondary preventative tional Football League. Mr. LYNCH. In closing, I urge my medical strategies for children and adults A native of Maywood, Illinois, Coach colleagues to join with the lead sponsor with Sickle Cell Disease; Johnson began his career in football as of this resolution, Bob Brady of Penn- Whereas the Sickle Cell Disease Associa- a player—first as an All-Big Eight sylvania, in supporting House Resolu- tion of America, Inc. remains the preeminent advocacy organization that serves the sickle quarterback from 1959 to 1962 at the tion 693. University of Missouri, under Coach cell community by focusing its efforts on I yield back the balance of my time. public policy, research funding, patient serv- Dan Devine, and subsequently as a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tight end with the Buffalo Bills of the ices, public awareness, and education related question is on the motion offered by to developing effective treatments and a American Football League from 1963 to the gentleman from Massachusetts cure for Sickle Cell Disease; and 1964. (Mr. LYNCH) that the House suspend Whereas the Sickle Cell Disease Associa- In 1967, Mr. Johnson turned his atten- the rules and agree to the resolution, tion of America, Inc. has requested that the tion to coaching and was hired by Mis- H. Res. 693. Congress designate September as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in order to edu- souri Southern College as the head The question was taken; and (two- football coach. Coach Johnson’s 2-year cate communities across the Nation about thirds being in the affirmative) the sickle cell and the need for research funding, tenure at the school was followed by 4- rules were suspended and the resolu- year tours at Drake University and at early detection methods, effective treat- tion was agreed to. ments, and prevention programs: Now, there- Indiana University, and ultimately led A motion to reconsider was laid on fore, be it to a 6-year stint as a defensive backs the table. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the coach and defensive coordinator at the Senate concurring), That the Congress sup- University of Notre Dame. Notably, the f ports the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Dis- Fighting Irish won the national cham- SICKLE CELL DISEASE ease Awareness Month. pionship in Coach Johnson’s first sea- AWARENESS MONTH The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- son with the team. ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to After leaving Notre Dame in 1984, Massachusetts (Mr. LYNCH) and the suspend the rules and agree to the con- Coach Johnson went on to coaching po- gentleman from Ohio (Mr. TURNER) current resolution (H. Con. Res. 186) sitions with the Oklahoma Outlaws and each will control 20 minutes. supporting the goals and ideals of Sick- Jackson Bulls of the United States The Chair recognizes the gentleman le Cell Disease Awareness Month. Football League, and in 1986 entered from Massachusetts. The Clerk read the title of the con- the National Football League as a de- GENERAL LEAVE current resolution. fensive line and secondary coach for Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- The text of the concurrent resolution the Arizona Cardinals. imous consent that all Members may is as follows: Coach Johnson would later join the have 5 legislative days within which to defensive coaching staffs of the Indian- H. CON. RES. 186 revise and extend their remarks. apolis Colts and the Seattle Seahawks Whereas Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there before Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy blood disorder that is a major health prob- objection to the request of the gen- lem in the United States and worldwide; tleman from Massachusetts? Reid pursued and hired Johnson to be Whereas Sickle Cell Disease causes the There was no objection. the Eagles’ defensive coordinator in rapid destruction of sickle cells, which re- Mr. LYNCH. I yield myself such time 1999. It is Coach Johnson’s 10-year pe- sults in multiple medical complications, in- as I may consume. riod with the Eagles that perhaps most cluding anemia, jaundice, gallstones, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Over- epitomizes his mastery of defensive strokes, and restricted blood flow, damaging sight and Government Reform Com- schemes and cemented his status, as tissue in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, and mittee, I’m proud to present House noted by Andy Reid, as the ‘‘best in the death; Concurrent Resolution 186 for consider- Whereas Sickle Cell Disease causes epi- business at what he does.’’ ation. This legislation expresses our Coach Johnson’s tenure in Philadel- sodes of considerable pain in one’s arms, legs, chest, and abdomen; support for the goals and ideals of phia witnessed 26 Pro Bowl selections Whereas Sickle Cell Disease affects an esti- Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. for the Eagles’ defense, including seven mated 70,000 to 100,000 Americans; The measure before us was intro- by safety Brian Dawkins and five by Whereas approximately 1,000 babies are duced on September 16, 2009, by my col- quarterback Troy Vincent. born with Sickle Cell Disease each year in league and good friend, Representative

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:39 Sep 30, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29SE7.031 H29SEPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE September 29, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10017 Danny Davis of Illinois, and favorably in the United States has the disease. tration), eye damage, anemia, delayed growth reported out of the Oversight Com- One in eight African American babies and even death. mittee on September 24, 2009, by unani- carry the sickle cell trait. There is a Although it cannot be cured, effective treat- mous consent. In addition, this meas- one in four chance that a child born to ment is available for persons with sickle cell ure enjoys the support of over 70 Mem- parents who both carry the sickle cell disease. The trait and the disease are inher- bers of Congress, and I am proud to say trait will have the disease. Life expect- ited. The most important thing one can do is that I am also an original cosponsor. ancy is limited, as an average lifespan to make sure to get tested. More than Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Reso- for an adult with the disease is only 45 2,000,000 Americans have the sickle cell trait, lution 186 highlights the importance of years old. and 1 in 12 African-Americans carry the trait. Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. A universal cure, though, remains Although researchers have not yet identified Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood elusive. However, early diagnosis a cure for this painful disease, advances in disorder that predominantly affects through newborn screening and edu- treating the associated complications have oc- people of sub-Saharan African ances- cation has improved survival and qual- curred. Once almost exclusively a pediatric ill- try. Today, an estimated 70,000 to ity of life for those who suffer from ness, research has resulted in early detection 100,000 Americans suffer from this dis- SCD. Because SCD affects so many peo- and improvements in treatment that have ex- ease, and nearly 1 in 500 African Amer- ple and research funding is critical to tended life expectancy from the 20s to the ican newborns is born with sickle cell. effectively treating and ultimately to mid-40s for many patients. Although the life Individuals with sickle cell have red preventing the disease, we are grateful expectancy of a person with Sickle Cell Dis- blood cells that assume a rigid sickle for organizations such as the Sickle ease is severely limited, researchers are shape. When these blood cells travel Cell Disease Association of America hopeful that in less than two decades, Sickle through small blood vessels, they often that continues to shine the light of Cell Disease may join the ranks of chronic ill- become stuck and clog blood flow. This hope for all of those who are affected. nesses that, when properly treated, do not causes repeated episodes of severe pain, Therefore, I ask my colleagues to interfere with the activity, growth, or mental organ damage, serious infections, and/ join me in supporting the designation development of affected children. or anemia. of the month of September as National I am glad to be able to recognize the Texas Tragically, the life expectancy of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month Children’s Sickle Cell Center for serving over those with sickle cell is also greatly re- so that communities throughout the 900 children in the state of Texas and having duced—42 years for males and 48 years country will become aware of this dis- one of the largest educational programs in the for females. In Africa, more than 90 ease and the need for additional re- country. The Texas Children’s Sickle Cell Cen- percent of children with sickle cell die search, effective treatments, and pre- ter offers comprehensive family-centered care before the illness is even diagnosed. vention programs that will ultimately for children with sickle cell disease. The center There is no cure for this illness; al- provides treatment for all aspects of sickle cell though, with careful supervision, indi- lead to a cure. I reserve the balance of my time. disease, offering patient care, education, viduals with sickle cell can live full Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I don’t screening and counseling for afflicted patients and healthy lives. Treatment today is have any further speakers on this mat- and their families. The Sickle Cell Center of- primarily aimed at avoiding crises, re- ter, but I continue to reserve the bal- fers access to new drug therapies for sickle lieving symptoms, and preventing com- ance of my time. cell disease and its complications. The staff plications. Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Despite its prevalence and serious- works closely with the neuropsychology, ness, little is known publicly about Members to support the passage of H. neuroradiology, cardiology and pulmonary de- sickle cell disease. For this reason, Con. Res. 186, and I yield back the bal- partments in order to better understand the Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month ance of my time. pathophysiology and to develop treatment op- Mr. LYNCH. I thank my colleague, presents a valuable opportunity to in- tions. I believe we need more facilities like the and I also urge all of our friends on crease public understanding of this ill- Texas Children’s Sickle Cell Center in order to both sides of the aisle to join with Con- ness and to work collectively to find a not only treat those with the disease, but offer gressman DANNY DAVIS, who’s the lead cure for sickle cell. services and educational programs to the fam- In closing, I wholeheartedly support sponsor of this measure, to support the ily as well. this measure and encourage all my col- ideals and goals of Sickle Cell Disease Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in this leagues to join myself and Representa- Awareness Month by voting for House Congress to recognize the importance of re- tive Danny Davis of Illinois in voting Concurrent Resolution 186. searching, preventing, and treating Sickle Cell in favor of House Concurrent Resolu- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Disease by authorizing treatment centers to tion 186. I stand before you today in strong support of provide medical intervention, education, and I reserve the balance of my time. H. Con. Res. 186, ‘‘Supporting the goals and other services and by permitting the Medicaid Mr. TURNER. I yield myself such ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness program to cover some primary and sec- time as I may consume. Month.’’ Sickle Cell Anemia affects an esti- ondary preventative medical strategies for chil- This resolution seeks to bring atten- mated 70,000 to 100,000 Americans. Every dren and adults with Sickle Cell Disease. Fur- tion to sickle cell disease and to sup- year 1,000 babies are born with Sickle Cell thermore, I hope that my colleagues will sup- port the designation of September as Disease in the United States, with the disease port designating September as Sickle Cell Dis- Sickle Cell Awareness Month. occurring in approximately 1 in 500 newborn ease Awareness Month in order to educate Sickle cell disease, SCD, is a deadly African-American infants. We must educate communities across the Nation about sickle genetic blood disorder that strikes, pri- the public and shed light on this disease, es- cell and the need for research funding, early marily, persons of African descent. pecially considering that there is a 1 in 4 detection methods, effective treatments, and Those affected by the disease most chance that a child born to parents who both prevention programs. often appear to be healthy, but their have the sickle cell trait will have the disease. Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise lives are disturbed by sporadic and Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited blood dis- today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 186, painful attacks in their arms, legs, order that is a major health problem in the ‘‘Supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell chest, and abdomen. United States and worldwide. It not only af- Disease Awareness Month.’’ SCD also causes the rapid destruc- fects African Americans, but Hispanics and Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood dis- tion of sickle cells that results in mul- persons of Greek, Italian, East Indian, Saudi order that affects nearly 100,000 Americans. tiple medical complications, including Arabian, Asian, Syrian, Turkish, Cypriot, Sicil- This disease causes red blood cells to mutate anemia, jaundice, gallstones, strokes, ian, and Caucasian origin. and deliver less oxygen to the body. Numer- and restricted blood flow, causing tis- Sickle Cell Disease causes the rapid de- ous medical complications result including sue damage, cardiovascular, and organ struction of sickle cells, which results in mul- bone pain, fatigue, fever, jaundice, chest pain, damage. Approximately 80,000 African tiple medical complications such as: pain epi- rapid heart rate and ulcers. Most people af- Americans suffer from sickle cell dis- sodes, strokes, increased infections, leg ul- flicted with the disease also suffer painful epi- ease, and millions are affected world- cers, bone damage, yellow eyes or jaundice, sodes called vaso-occlusive crises, which vary wide. early gallstones, lung blockage, kidney dam- in frequency and severity. Ultimately, this dis- Statistics shockingly show that 1 in age and loss of body water in urine, priapism, ease limits a person’s average life span to just every 350 African American babies born blood blockage in the spleen or liver (seques- 45 years.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:39 Sep 30, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K29SE7.035 H29SEPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H10018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 29, 2009 In the United States, while 1 in 1,000 infants the rules and agree to the concurrent the Chula Vista Park View Little League are born with the disease, the rate of disease resolution, H. Con. Res. 186. team throughout the season; and for African-American infants is 1 in 500. The The question was taken; and (two- (4) respectfully requests that the Clerk of thirds being in the affirmative) the the House transmit an enrolled copy of this sickle cell disease gene is carried by resolution to the City of Chula Vista and 2,000,000 Americans, yet this number is 1 in rules were suspended and the concur- each player, manager, and coach of the 12 within the African-American community. If rent resolution was agreed to. Chula Vista Park View Little League Base- both parents of a child have sickle cell, there A motion to reconsider was laid on ball Team. is a 1 in 4 chance that their child will inherit the table. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the disease. Millions of people world-wide suf- f ant to the rule, the gentleman from fer from sickle cell disease, and those of Afri- CONGRATULATING LITTLE Massachusetts (Mr. LYNCH) and the can and Caribbean ancestry are primarily af- LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAM- gentleman from Ohio (Mr. TURNER) fected. PION CHULA VISTA PARK VIEW each will control 20 minutes. Despite these devastating statistics, a cure The Chair recognizes the gentleman has not been found. Researchers are hopeful Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to from Massachusetts. that if sickle cell disease is properly treated suspend the rules and agree to the reso- GENERAL LEAVE and diagnosed early, it will not interfere with lution (H. Res. 725) congratulating the Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- the growth and mental development of af- Chula Vista Park View Little League imous consent that all Members may flicted children. Educating our communities team of Chula Vista, California, for have 5 legislative days in which to re- about this disease will enable researchers and winning the 2009 Little League World vise and extend their remarks. advocacy organizations to develop effective Series Championship. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there treatments and ultimately a cure. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- objection to the request of the gen- I thank Congressman DANNY K. DAVIS for in- tion. tleman from Massachusetts? troducing this legislation and look forward to The text of the resolution is as fol- There was no objection. working with my colleagues to raise aware- lows: Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 ness of sickle cell disease. H. RES. 725 minutes to the lead sponsor of this res- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Speaker, I rise Whereas on Sunday, August 30, 2009, the olution, the gentleman from California today in support of H. Con. Res. 186, Sup- Chula Vista Park View Little League Base- (Mr. FILNER). porting the Goals and Ideals of Sickle Cell ball Team from Chula Vista, California, ral- Mr. FILNER. Mr. LYNCH, I thank Disease Awareness Month. Mr. Speaker, the lied to defeat the Taoyuan, Taiwan (Chinese you. I thank Chairman TOWNS and the State of Georgia has over 7,000 individuals, Taipei) Little League Team by a score of 6 to Speaker for getting us this resolution from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are 3 to win the 2009 Little League World Series so quickly. Championship at South Williamsport, Penn- We celebrate today and congratulate my constituents living in DeKalb County, living sylvania; with sickle cell anemia. I have tirelessly advo- the Chula Vista Park View Little Whereas Chula Vista Park View is in its League team for winning the 2009 Lit- cated on their behalf to support the Georgia 41st season of playing little league baseball Comprehensive sickle cell center, which is lo- and is the fourth team from San Diego Coun- tle League World Series. I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, for sev- cated at nearby Grady Hospital. While sickle ty to play in the Little League World Series eral weeks last month, our whole re- cell anemia is found in more diagnosed at a championship game; gion, the San Diego region and the city higher rate among African Americans and Whereas the 2009 Chula Vista Park View of Chula Vista in particular, was en- Latinos, it has also found among people of Little League World Championship Team consists of players Isaiah Armenta, Oscar thralled by these 12 young men on the Greek, Turkish, and Saudi Arabian descent. I Castro, Jr., Nick Conlin, Kiko Garcia, Bulla little league team who managed to win strongly support H. Con. Res. 186 and I urge Graft, Seth Godfrey, Markus Melin, Jensen victory after victory, some with dra- my colleagues to support this important reso- Petersen, Daniel Porras, Jr., Luke Ramirez, matic comebacks from behind. lution. Andy Rios, and Bradley Roberto; They hit home runs whether they Sickle cell anemia is a major health problem Whereas the 2009 Chula Vista Park View were 5 foot 1 or 6 foot 2 and, in fact, set Little League World Championship Team is that affects millions of people worldwide. More the little league world series record for than 70,000 people in the United States have led by Manager Oscar Castro, Coach Ric Ra- mirez, and Park View Little League Presi- number of home runs. Their defensive inherited sickle cell anemia, while more than 2 play was incredible, making some fan- million carry the sickle cell trait, including 1 in dent Rod Roberto; Whereas the Chula Vista Park View Little tastic double plays that were worthy of 12 African-Americans. There is a 25 percent League team was successful because of solid the Major Leagues. chance that parents carrying the Sickle Cell coaching and execution of fundamentals and Running the bases or just cheering trait will pass the disease onto a child. This discipline; on the team, every one of these 12 chronic disease deserves our attention and I Whereas the fans of the Chula Vista Park young men played a very important applaud the efforts of this Congress to ensure View Little League team showed enthu- role, and our whole region was en- that mire is done. siasm, support, and courtesy for the game of baseball and all of the players and coaches; thralled by them. While there is no widely available cure, the So we want to thank Isaiah, Oscar, goal of sickle cell disease management is to Whereas the performance of the Chula Vista Park View Little League team dem- Nick, Kiko, Garcia, Bulla, Seth, alleviate the painful symptoms associated with onstrated to parents and communities Markus, Jensen, Daniel, Luke, Andy, the disease, including gallstones, strokes, tis- throughout the United States that athletic and Bradley for their incredible play in sue, liver, and spleen damage. There has participation builds character and leadership this World Series. The manager, Oscar been a glimmer of hope for a small number of in children; and Castro; the coach, Ric Ramirez; and those infected; bone marrow transplants have Whereas the achievement of the Chula the little league president, Rod Ro- proven to be a successful treatment for the Vista Park View Little League Baseball berto, were key figures, of course, in disease. Over the past 30 years, advances in Team is the cause of enormous pride for the this incredible victory. advocacy and awareness, and improvements Nation, the State of California, and espe- These young men were dubbed the cially for the city of Chula Vista: Now, in medicine have led to increases in early di- therefore, be it Blue Bombers. Their final victory was agnoses, improved disease management, and Resolved, That the House of Representa- over Taipei in a 6–3 victory. They come longer life spans for individuals diagnosed with tives— from behind in that one, too. sickle cell anemia. (1) congratulates the Chula Vista Park They displayed the success that solid It is my hope that in the near future, we can View Little League Baseball Team from coaching brings and the execution of develop a cure for this chronic illness, and en- Chula Vista, California, on winning the 2009 the fundamentals that little league sure that people living with Sickle Cell Anemia Little League World Series Championship; stresses. Again, the whole region was live full, productive lives. (2) recognizes and commends the hard thrilled by their performance—playing Mr. LYNCH. I yield back the balance work, dedication, determination, and com- with poise, with class, with sportsman- mitment to excellence of the members, par- of my time. ents, coaches, and managers of the Chula ship. They even invited the Chinese The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Vista Park View Little League team; Taipei team to join them on their vic- question is on the motion offered by (3) recognizes and commends the people of tory lap around the field at Williams- the gentleman from Massachusetts Chula Vista, California, for the outstanding port to show their own incredible team (Mr. LYNCH) that the House suspend loyalty and support that they displayed for spirit and sportsmanship.

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