Whereas researchers have identified that the category of autoimmune diseases includes more than 100 diseases that are chronic and in many cases debilitating, with no known cures;

Whereas autoimmune diseases can affect any part of the body, including the blood, blood vessels, muscles, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine glands, and multiple organ systems, and can be life-threatening;

Whereas researchers have identified a close genetic relationship and a common pathway of disease that exists among autoimmune diseases, explaining the clustering of autoimmune diseases in individuals and families;

Whereas the family of autoimmune diseases is underrecognized, and poses a major health care challenge to the United States;

Whereas the National Institutes of Health estimates that autoimmune diseases afflict up to 50,000,000 people in the United States, 80 percent of the people affected are women, and the prevalence of autoimmune diseases is rising;

Whereas autoimmune diseases are among the top 10 leading causes of death in women under 65;

Whereas autoimmune diseases frequently affect children and young adults, leading to a lifetime of disability;

Whereas diagnostic tests for most autoimmune diseases are not standardized, making autoimmune diseases very difficult to diagnose;

Whereas, because autoimmune diseases are difficult to diagnose, treatment is often delayed, sometimes resulting in irreparable damage and unnecessary suffering, making early diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases critical;

Whereas the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies reported that the United States is behind other countries in research into immune system self-recognition, the cause of autoimmune diseases;

Whereas a study by the Autoimmune Association revealed that it takes the average patient with an autoimmune disease more than 4.5 years to get a correct diagnosis;

Whereas there is a significant need for more collaboration and cross-fertilization of basic autoimmune research;

Whereas there is a significant need for research focusing on the etiology of all autoimmune-related diseases, to increase understanding of the root causes of these diseases rather than treating the symptoms after the disease has had its destructive effect; and

Whereas designating March as Autoimmune Awareness Month would help educate the public about autoimmune diseases and the need for research funding, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments: Now, therefore, be it