Congressional Legislators Recognize Need for More IBS Research

    MILWAUKEE, WI, May 17, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The need for new treatment options and a cure for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) were recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives in a Resolution introduced on April 29th. The House Resolution 1309 (H. Res. 1309) was introduced by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI-2) along with initial co-sponsors Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI-5) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT-AL).

In recognizing the need for new treatment options and a cure for IBS, the Resolution calls attention to the challenges IBS can create and the serious loss in quality of life that can occur with chronic digestive disorders. The impact of IBS on military personnel is singled out, in response to growing scientific evidence indicating that IBS is a major health issue among veterans.

Specifically, the Resolution urges the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to significantly increase their research activities, and it encourages the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take pro-active steps to ensure that innovative IBS treatments are developed. The Resolution also asks the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration to bolster their efforts to study IBS and functional digestive disorders among military personnel, particularly combat veterans.

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), patients, researchers and health care advocates worked closely with Members of Congress to introduce the Resolution in the House of Representatives. Moving forward, IFFGD is encouraging people affected by IBS and other chronic digestive disorders to contact their Representatives and ask them to show support for this digestive health effort by co-sponsoring House Resolution 1309.

A copy of the Resolution can be found at: www.iffgd.org/H.RES.1309.

IFFGD is a nonprofit digestive health and research organization based in Milwaukee, WI. Since 1991, IFFGD has been providing information, education and support to people affected by chronic digestive disorders, including functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders. More information about IFFGD, the Resolution, and ways that individuals can participate in IFFGD's advocacy effort can be found at www.iffgd.org/resolution.

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