III 

116TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 425 

Designating October 2019 as ‘‘National Down Syndrome Awareness Month’’ 

and supporting the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

NOVEMBER 14, 2019 

Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. BENNET, Mr. INHOFE, and Ms. WARREN) 

submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Designating October 2019 as ‘‘National Down Syndrome 

Awareness Month’’ and supporting the goals and ideals 

of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. 

Whereas 1 in every 691 babies born in the United States has 

Down syndrome; 

Whereas Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races, and 

economic levels and is the most frequently occurring 

chromosomal abnormality; 

Whereas the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome 

has increased dramatically in recent decades, from 25 

years of age in 1983 to 60 years of age in 2019; 

Whereas people with Down syndrome attend school, work, 

participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful 


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•SRES 425 ATS 

relationships, can vote, and contribute to society in many 

ways; 

Whereas advancements in education, medical care, and research and advocacy, and positive support from family, 

friends, and the community enable people with Down 

syndrome to live healthy and fulfilling lives; 

Whereas parents of babies and children with Down syndrome 

should receive the education and support they need to 

understand the condition and acquire new hope for the 

future of their children; 

Whereas there are lifespan and health care disparities for minorities, such as African Americans with Down syndrome, that should be understood and addressed; 

Whereas people with Down syndrome have a dramatically different health profile than other individuals, as people 

with Down syndrome are predisposed to develop major 

diseases (such as autoimmune disorders, leukemia, and 

Alzheimer’s disease) and may be protected from other 

major diseases (such as solid tumor cancers, certain 

heart attacks, and stroke); 

Whereas advancing research and medical care for people with 

Down syndrome can not only increase life expectancy and 

improve health outcomes for this unique population, but 

also holds great promise for treating and perhaps curing 

life-threatening diseases affecting millions of other people 

in the United States; 

Whereas people with Down syndrome should have access to 

health care providers who have easy access to updated, 

evidence-based medical care guidelines for children and 

adults with the condition; 


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•SRES 425 ATS 

Whereas, on October 8, 2008, the Prenatally and Postnatally 

Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act (Public Law 110– 

374; 122 Stat. 4051) was enacted to increase referrals to 

providers of key support services for mothers who have 

received a positive prenatal diagnosis for Down syndrome 

or a positive diagnosis for other prenatally or postnatally 

diagnosed conditions; 

Whereas promoting the acceptance and inclusion of individuals born with Down syndrome, a genetic condition, will 

help those individuals achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives; 

Whereas, on September 28, 1984, President Ronald Reagan 

signed a joint resolution (Public Law 98–437; 98 Stat. 

1683) proclaiming October 1984 as ‘‘National Down’s 

Syndrome Month’’, and similar resolutions were enacted 

annually through 1989; and 

Whereas the inherent dignity and worth of people with Down 

syndrome, the valuable contributions of people with Down 

syndrome as promoters of well-being and diversity within 

their communities, and the importance of the individual 

freedom and independence of people with Down syndrome 

should be recognized: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) designates October 2019 as ‘‘National 

3 Down Syndrome Awareness Month’’; 

4 (2) supports the goals and ideals of National 

5 Down Syndrome Awareness Month; 

6 (3) celebrates the significant contributions that 

7 people with Down syndrome make to their families, 

8 their communities, and the United States; 


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•SRES 425 ATS 

1 (4) is committed to promoting the health, well2 being, and inherent dignity of all children and adults 

3 with Down syndrome; 

4 (5) supports the advancement of scientific and 

5 medical research on Down syndrome at the National 

6 Institutes of Health, including through the IN7 CLUDE project, focused on improving health out8 comes for people with the condition; and 

9 (6) encourages awareness and education regard10 ing Down syndrome, including for new and expect11 ant parents. 

Æ 


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