Supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for his leadership and for yielding me this time, and I thank the sponsors of this legislation. I rise to support this resolution, which is H. Res. 276, which is supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

We know that cancer can be deadly, but early detection is crucial. We also know how devastating the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be because of its rapid decline in the individual that has this particular disease. I know firsthand from a prominent citizen in my community, someone who was vibrant and contributing, who suffered through the disease of pancreatic cancer, having good days and bad days, having recoveries and then relapses.

So I believe it is extremely important that we make the Nation aware of the deadliness of this particular form of cancer and the ability to continue to provide the instrument of early detection. I rise in support of this legislation, and as I do so, might I say and make a few comments about a number of resolutions that I would like to add a voice of support.

Let me rise in support as well for S. 1413, the Colin L. Powell Residential Plaza Redesignation Act, that redesignates the plaza in Jamaica, West Indies, in honor of General Colin L. Powell, the former Secretary of State. We appreciate his leadership, his dedication to service and, as well, the statement that his family made coming here to the United States from Jamaica, West Indies, being immigrants and then, of course, being contributing

members of this Nation and, of course, to the United States armed services.

Likewise, I would like to join my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), in his resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol grounds for an event to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Million Man March, and let me salute the concept of the Nation of Islam and Prime Minister Farrakhan for understanding it is a million more, for inviting communities from all over America, diverse ethnic and religious groups and racial groups to come simply to say that the poor have not been forgotten. I hope that as we commemorate, we will set a legislative agenda to turn around and to change America for the better.

I add my support for H.R. 15, which deals with the supporting of the goals and ideals of the National Campus Safety Awareness Month. I do that for a general reason, but also, Madam Speaker, for a personal reason. I have two young people in my family, my daughter and my son, who are on college campuses today. I can assure you that, as a parent, you send your child off with the best intentions, but it is also very important to remind them nationally, if you will, even from the podium of the United States Congress, that all young people should be aware of the dangers of overdosing on drugs, of alcohol abuse, of hazing, of the dangers of altercations between students. Just this past couple of months, we buried a very bright young man in our community that we still mourn, and we do so because, unfortunately, he lost his life in an altercation and brawl on his campus, through no fault of his own, a bright, energetic and talented young man. His family still mourns, and his mother is seeking to be engaged in campus safety, and I look forward to working with her, so that we can find ways to touch students and touch their hearts.

This legislation is so very important, because at least it makes a public and national statement that young people should be safe, but they should also be their brothers' and sisters' keeper. When you see something going on, tell someone in order to save a life. Campus safety also means campus involvement and campus recognition that we are in fact our brothers' and sisters' keeper.

I would ask my colleagues to support the underlying bill which deals specifically with the idea of supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and, of course, I thank my colleagues for allowing me to submit statements on behalf of the above- mentioned resolutions.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 276) supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 276.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 276, offered by the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts), would increase awareness about a horrible disease, pancreatic cancer.

This year, over 31,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Because of the lack of early detection methods, 99 percent of those diagnosed will lose their lives, the highest mortality rate of any form of cancer. By the time the symptoms present themselves, it is almost always too late for a positive prognosis. Diagnosed patients have an average life expectancy of only 3 to 6 months.

Although pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cancer, many Americans are not aware of the devastating statistics associated with the disease. Currently, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, known as Pan CAN, is the only national advocacy organization available for pancreatic cancer patients as well as their families and friends. This outstanding organization exists to create awareness, patient support, professional education and advocacy for pancreatic cancer funding.

Pan CAN regards each November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. With the adoption of House Resolution 276, Congress would be further increasing awareness of pancreatic cancer. As a Nation, we desperately need to improve detection and treatment approaches and avenues. This is a cancer that has touched many people, including the only brother of one of my brothers-in-law, a young boy who passed away at the age of 13 with this very devastating disease.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no additional requests for time, I urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Res. 276, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, the cancer of the pancreas stands out as a highly lethal disease, with its victims facing the poorest likelihood of survival of all those who survive major malignancies. It accounts for only 2 percent of all newly diagnosed cancers in the United States each year, but 5 percent of all cancer deaths. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Only 4 percent of patients survive beyond 5 years. Men have higher incidences and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer than women in each racial or ethnic group. Black men and women have incidences and mortality rates that are 50 percent higher than the rates of whites. Rates for Hispanics and the Asian American groups are generally lower than that of whites. Cigarette smoking has been identified consistently as an important part of the cause.

Most pancreatic cancers arise from the ductal cells of the pancreas. The pancreas, an organ situated deep in the abdominal cavity, serves several critical functions. It produces enzymes that are delivered to the small intestines to aid in the digestion of food, and it controls sugar levels in the body.

The disease is often far advanced by the time symptoms occur and a diagnosis made.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is dedicated to focusing national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. I support this resolution and Pan CAN's efforts to designate November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to strongly support House Resolution 276. This resolution will help increase awareness about a horrible disease: Pancreatic cancer.

Few Americans may understand that pancreatic cancer is a horrific killer. This year alone, over 32,180 people will be diagnosed with this disease. Because there are no early detection tools for this cancer, 99% of those diagnosed will lose their lives.

Many Americans are not aware that pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all cancers; most patients only survive 3 to 6

months after diagnosis. This is why it is a moral imperative for Congress to work to increase awareness of this deadly cancer.

Currently, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (known as ``Pan CAN'') is the only national advocacy organization available for pancreatic cancer patients and their families and friends. I became aware of Pan CAN through a constituent of mine, Bob Hammen, who lost his wife to this terrible disease. Pan CAN provides patient support and professional education about this disease, while coordinating advocacy programs to focus national attention on finding a cure for pancreatic cancer.

Pan CAN regards each November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. With the passage of H. Res. 276, Congress will be supporting Pan CAN's efforts to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer so that scientific advancements can lead to early detection programs and effective treatments.

Mr. Speaker, because all of our fellow citizens have family, friends and neighbors who are regrettably vulnerable to this dreaded disease, I urge support from my distinguished colleagues for this resolution here today.

Mr. Speaker, my vote on rollcall No. 510 was not recorded. I would like the Record to reflect that I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 510.