[Page S1841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                          Blot Clot Awareness

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, last night the Senate passed my 
bipartisan resolution to bring attention to a very important issue but 
one that isn't discussed often enough: It is the deaths by blood clot.
  We call March Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness 
Month. So that is a fancy name for blood clots, and last night the 
Senate took this action. It took that action because we want to bring 
attention to the fact that this health problem affects about 900,000 
Americans and contributes to $10 billion in medical costs annually.
  While blood clots can be life-threatening, they are preventable and 
treatable. Sadly, they are among the leading causes of preventable 
hospital deaths. Cancer patients, pregnant women, older Americans, and 
patients having surgery all face increased risks of blood clotting.
  So I have a constituent who is very active in this movement, and I 
have met with him over the last 3 or 4 years that he has led a national 
effort to bring attention to the problems of blood clotting.
  I am thankful that Des Moines, IA, resident Todd Robertson is working 
on this issue and was in my office yesterday to discuss what can be 
done, even beyond passing this resolution naming a whole month for this 
attention. He has the title of National Blood Clot Alliance patient 
liaison.
  I want to give thanks to Todd in a big way about his passion because 
we are all more aware of the risk of blood clots and the necessary 
steps to prevent blood clotting and preserving our Nation's health with 
the people that have this problem.
  So I would encourage all Americans to visit stoptheclot.org so every 
American can understand possible risks with clotting and how you can 
prevent that in your own life.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.