(8) The economic impact of FGIMDs is high. The annual cost in the United States for IBS alone is estimated to be between $1.7 billion and $10 billion in direct medical costs (excluding prescription and over-the-counter medications) and $20 billion in indirect medical costs. (9) FGIMDs frequently take a toll on the workplace, as reflected in work absenteeism, lost productivity, and lost opportunities for the individual and society. (10) Gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as IBS and functional dyspepsia, are recognized as a serious and disabling issue for military veterans, particularly those who have been deployed in war zones. (11) FGIMDs affect individuals of all ages including children, and pediatric FGIMDs can be particularly serious, leading to a lifetime of painful symptoms and medical expenses associated with management of chronic illness or death. (12) There is inadequate public education and misunderstanding of FGIMDs leading to stigma placed upon individuals so afflicted. (13) The National Institutes of Health’s National Commission on Digestive Diseases identified comprehensive research goals related to FGIMDs in its April 2009 report to Congress and the American public entitled Opportunities and Challenges in Digestive Diseases Research: Recommendations of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases . 3. Functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders research enhancement Part B of the title IV of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 284 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 409K. Functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders The Director of NIH may expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the National Institutes of Health with respect to functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders (in this section referred to as FGIMDs ) by— (1) expanding basic and clinical research into FGIMDs by implementing the research recommendations of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases relating to FGIMDs