[Page H8139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1915
                      MESOTHELIOMA AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I want to take a moment to discuss 
mesothelioma.
  Mesothelioma is generally a cancer of the lungs. Most cases come from 
exposure to asbestos, a popular fireproofing material used in homes and 
buildings in the mid-20th century. It is a deadly disease. Ninety 
percent of patients die within 5 years.
  My home State of New Jersey ranks fifth nationally in mesothelioma 
deaths.
  Yet, it is one of the only cancers without a patient registry. A 
registry would allow researchers to study patients, look for common 
conditions, and create new cures to help them live longer lives.
  Our bill, the Mary Jo Lawyer Spano Mesothelioma Patient Registry Act, 
would provide funding to do just that. We need to pass this bill so we 
can truly research this deadly disease and provide more hope for these 
patients.

                          ____________________