; Whereas, according to a 2022 publication, the average lifetime cost for individuals most severely impacted by SCD ranges between $4,200,000 to $6,200,000 per patient; Whereas, in 2020, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan and Blueprint for Action to Address Sickle Cell Disease, which cited the need for new innovative therapies as well as to address barriers that may impact delivery and access to approved treatments; Whereas there are emerging genetic therapy technologies, including gene editing, that can modify a patient’s own hematopoietic stem cells with the goal of the patient being able to generate healthy red blood cells to prevent sickle cell crisis; Whereas while hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is currently the only cure for SCD and advances in treating the associated complications of SCD have occurred, more research is needed to find widely available treatments and cures to help individuals with SCD; Whereas, for the past 50 years, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America has been the national voice for SCD, working with more than 50 community-based organizations and affiliates serving over 500,000 children, adults, and caregivers impacted by SCD; and Whereas September 2023 has been designated as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in order to educate communities across the United States about SCD, including early detection methods, effective treatments, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from SCD and conditions related to SCD: Now, therefore, be it