Supporting the goals and ideals of "National MPS Day".

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 85) supporting the goals and ideals of ``National MPS Day''.

Mr. 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 the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise today in support of House Resolution 85, introduced by the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).

This resolution would support the goals and ideals of ``National MPS Day.'' MPS and related diseases are rare genetic diseases that cause cells to form improperly, wreaking havoc among all the body's systems. Enzymes which normally break apart damaged cells fail to produce, resulting in progressive damage throughout the body, affecting the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and the central nervous system. It can cause stunted growth, stiff joints, speech and hearing impairment, breathing problems, mental retardation, and a dramatically shortened life span.

All the symptoms of these diseases are not always apparent at birth. They develop slowly as damaged cells accumulate, many times resulting in death before the teenage years. Currently, there are no cures for these dangerous diseases.

I was unaware of MPS until Les Sheaffer, one of my constituents, came to talk to me about his daughter Brittany, who has MPS III, or Sanfilippo Syndrome. My staff and I were touched by Brittany's story and the Sheaffer family's resolve. Brittany's condition underscores the difficulties facing families coping with these dreaded diseases.

The occurrence of MPS in the general population is thought to be about 1 in 25,000 births. Increased public and professional awareness are important to further the development of treatments and techniques to help cope with and eventually cure these diseases. Because MPS diseases are not commonly known and well understood in the medical community, diagnosis is often delayed. Early detection and intervention can help to improve the quality of life for children like Brittany.

I applaud the efforts of the National MPS Society to support research, to support families, and to increase public and professional awareness of these diseases. This legislation would build on the National MPS Society's work by raising awareness of these devastating diseases and increasing support for the disease's victims and their families. For this reason, I ask all Members to join me and Mr. Kind in passing House Resolution 85.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support adoption of H. Res. 85, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of H. Res. 85, supporting the goals and ideals of National MPS Day. MPS and ML, or mucopolysaccharidoses and mucolipidoses, are genetic disorders caused by the body's inability to produce specific enzymes. Most individuals suffering from this disease are children; and they endure a variety of ailments, including problems with the bones, heart, joints, and the respiratory system. Most devastatingly, they have drastically shortened life spans.

Because of a lack of information and understanding about these disorders, even among the medical community, children often receive delayed or wrong diagnosis. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that we increase research and work for a cure. At the same time, we must increase awareness of these disorders that affect so many families. February 25 of every year is National MPS Day, and I believe we in the House of Representatives could do a great service to the MPS community by passing this resolution to honor this day and their work.

I am very pleased the Senate passed such a resolution, and I extend my thanks to my colleague and friend, Mr. Dent, as well as Mr. Davis, along with the 57 cosponsors who were instrumental in bringing this resolution to the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, I first became aware of MPS because of Allison Kirch, a student in my district who suffers from such a disorder. Her parents, Susan and Larry, and her sister Helen are tireless in their care for Allison and their dedication to furthering the cause of MPS patients.

It is because of people like Allison and Helen, Susan and Larry that I feel so strongly about MPS disorders. Allison, now 10, was first diagnosed at the age of 3. Today she is a happy fifth grader at Spence Elementary School in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The Kirch family, along with Les Sheaffer, Kym Wigglseworth, and Sissi Langford of the MPS Society, have done so much to educate me and others about this cause and issue.

Today's resolution is just a small part of furthering awareness of MPS disorders. There is so much more that can and must be done. As Members of Congress, we must take the lead in authorizing funds for research of MPS and ML disorders. As citizens, we must advocate tirelessly on behalf of the families who selflessly and tirelessly care for their loved ones. On behalf of Allison and her family, I am proud to advocate for this resolution on the House floor and hope my colleagues will join me in honoring such a worthy cause today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National MPS Day. MPS disorders affect primarily children and reduce their ability to produce certain enzymes that clear the body of toxins. The resulting effect of this enzyme deficiency manifests itself in a number of ways: mental retardation, physical malformations, small stature, corneal damage, chronic physical pain, and a shortened and difficult life span. This disease affects our Nation's children and has a dramatic ripple effect that impacts all who know and love them.

MPS disorders are hereditary and there is no cure, but significant advancements have been made or are on the horizon. This is just one reason why MPS Day is so important. We must keep the public informed about the disease and in searching for a cure.

This resolution will help bring the struggles of those affected by MPS disorders into the public arena and will signify that we hope to do everything within our power to fight it.

MPS Day was commemorated on February 25 of this year, but it is a daily struggle for those affected with the disease. If MPS affects one family, it affects too many; and we should continue to raise awareness and do all we can to help the families and the victims of MPS. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 85.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).