March 25, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 51 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H2784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE WORK OF TUBERCULOSIS SURVIVOR KATE O'BRIEN

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the great work of 
tuberculosis survivor Kate O'Brien.
  Kate visited my office in Newark earlier this month, along with the 
staff from the Global Tuberculosis Institute of Rutgers University. She 
shared with me her inspiring story about surviving TB and the need for 
global and domestic TB funding.
  Tuberculosis is a curable, airborne infection that kills more people 
worldwide than any other infectious disease. It is the leading killer 
of people with HIV worldwide.
  Tuberculosis is also a problem here in the United States. In 2016, 
the disease was reported in each of the 50 States, with more than 9,000 
cases reported across the country that year.
  Though it is curable, TB has a huge economic impact. In my State of 
New Jersey, TB costs the economy $5.7 million a year.
  We have made tremendous progress to combat TB here in the United 
States. Because of the work of advocates and survivors like Kate 
O'Brien, we can raise awareness about tuberculosis, increase funding 
for research and treatment, and save lives at home and abroad.

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