IV

106TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 299

Recognizing fragile X as the most common inherited cause of mental retardation and as a powerful research model for other disorders, urging increased funding for research, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

APRIL 5, 2000

Mr. WATKINS (for himself and Mr. DELAHUNT) submitted the following

concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing fragile X as the most common inherited cause

of mental retardation and as a powerful research model

for other disorders, urging increased funding for research, and for other purposes.

Whereas fragile X is the most common inherited cause of

mental retardation, affecting people of every race, income

level, and nationality;

Whereas 1 in every 260 women is a carrier of the fragile X

defect;

Whereas 1 in every 3,000 children is born with the fragile X

defect and typically requires a lifetime of special care at

a cost of over $2,000,000;

Whereas fragile X frequently remains undetected because the

defect was only recently discovered and due to the lack
2

•HCON 299 IH

of awareness about the disease, even within the medical

community;

Whereas the genetic defect causing fragile X has been discovered, and is easily identified by testing;

Whereas inquiry into fragile X is a powerful research model

for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, pervasive developmental disorders, and other

forms of X-chromosome-linked mental retardation;

Whereas individuals with fragile X can provide a homogeneous research population for advancing the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders;

Whereas with concerted research efforts, a cure for fragile X

may be developed;

Whereas fragile X research, both basic and applied, has been

vastly underfunded despite the prevalence of the disorder,

the potential for the development of a cure, the established benefits of available treatments and intervention,

and the significance that fragile X research has for related disorders; and

Whereas Members of Congress are in unique positions to help

raise public awareness about the need for increased funding for research and early diagnosis and treatment for

the disorder known as fragile X: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That the Congress—

3 (1) recognizes the devastating impact of fragile

4 X on thousands of Americans and their families;

5 (2) recognizes the leadership of the National In6 stitute of Child Health and Human Development,
3

•HCON 299 IH

1 the National Institute of Mental Health, and the

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in re3 search efforts to find a cure for fragile X and re4 lated disorders;

5 (3) calls on these and other sources of Federal

6 and private research funds to enhance and increase

7 their efforts and commitments to fragile X research;

8 and

9 (4) calls on medical schools and other health

10 educators, medical societies and associations, and

11 Federal, State, and local health care facilities to—

12 (A) learn, teach, and promote awareness of

13 the incidence, causes, symptoms, effects, and

14 treatment of fragile X; and

15 (B) support screening of newborns for

16 fragile X to permit early intervention and treat17 ment.

Æ