H. Res. 896 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

July 30, 2008. 

Whereas primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle 

spasticity and weakness in the voluntary muscles; 

Whereas PLS belongs to a group of disorders known as 

motor neuron diseases. Motor neuron diseases develop 

when the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement degenerate and die, causing spasticity and weakness 

in the muscles they control; 

Whereas Hardy Brown has worked tirelessly to raise funds 

for research for ALS ‘‘Lou Gehrig’s disease’’ which is a 

fatal motor neuron disease, and is now diagnosed with 

primary lateral sclerosis; 

Whereas the onset of PLS usually occurs after age 50. Symptoms may include difficulty with balance, weakness and 

stiffness in the legs, and clumsiness. Other symptoms 

may include spasticity (sudden, involuntary muscle 

spasms) in the hands, feet, or legs; foot dragging, and 

speech problems due to involvement of the facial muscles; 

Whereas primary lateral sclerosis affects individual people in 

different ways, and as a result, treatment programs will 

vary; 
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•HRES 896 EH 

Whereas there currently is no cure for primary lateral sclerosis, nor a way to slow or reverse the progressive disability of this disorder; 

Whereas the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation is a volunteermanaged and operated non-profit organization devoted to 

finding the causes and cures for two groups of 

neurodegenerative disorders called Spastic Paraplegia 

(Hereditary and Apparently Sporadic) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS); 

Whereas the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and 

Stroke at the National Institutes of Health conducts a 

broad range of research on neuromuscular disorders such 

as PLS. This research is aimed at developing techniques 

to diagnose, treat, prevent, and ultimately cure these devastating diseases; and 

Whereas the month of February of 2009 would be an appropriate time to recognize Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month in order to educate communities across the 

Nation about primary lateral sclerosis and the need for 

research funding, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

(1) recognizes the need to continue research into 

the causes, treatment, and an eventual cure for primary 

lateral sclerosis; 

(2) commends those hospitals, community clinics, 

educational institutes, and other organizations that 

are— 
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•HRES 896 EH 

(A) working to increase awareness of primary 

lateral sclerosis; and 

(B) conducting research for methods to help 

patients suffering from primary lateral sclerosis; 

(3) congratulates the work of the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation for its great efforts to educate, support, and provide hope for individuals who suffer from 

primary lateral sclerosis, while funding research to help 

find a cure for this disorder; 

(4) supports the designation of an appropriate time 

to recognize ‘‘Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness 

Month’’; and 

(5) calls upon the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities. 

Attest: 

Clerk.