Happy Valentines Day!  As we go about our busy day enjoying tasty treats with friends and loved ones, admiring beautiful bouquets sent by admirers, or preparing gifts or special meals to celebrate Cupid’s special day, I hope you’ll all take a moment to remember that February is American Heart Month and today is “Go Red” day on Capitol Hill.

For those who don’t know, cardiovascular disease is our nation's No.1 killer. Since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February “American Heart Month” to help encourage Americans to join the battle against these diseases.  The Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues is encouraging Members of Congress and staff to wear red on Valentine’s Day as part of the National Wear Red Day campaign.  This is the first time that the House of Representatives has officially participated in ‘Go Red’ Day and we are excited that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will participate and wear red today to help bring attention to a disease that causes one death every minute. 

The Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues is also leading the effort today to pass a resolution recognizing American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day (H.Res.972).  The resolution, which notes that diseases of the heart are the leading cause of death in America and that stroke is the third leading cause of death in both American men and women, is part of the Caucus’ broader efforts to highlight the impact of heart disease on women. 

Beyond today’s resolution to raise awareness about heart disease in women, the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues is working to pass the HEART for Women Act, legislation introduced to help ensure that heart disease and stroke are more widely recognized and more effectively treated in women.  Last year I introduced this bipartisan bill with my colleagues Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Barbara Cubin (R-WY).  Our bill is making excellent progress and I am hopeful that we will be able to pass it later this year. 

For more information on our legislation please visit www.heartforwomen.org and have a heart healthy and happy Valentine’s Day! 

Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.