H. Res. 896 
In the House of Representatives, U. S., 
July 30, 2008. 
Whereas primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neuro-
muscular 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 move-
ment 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. Symp-
toms 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;
•HRES 896 EH 
Whereas there currently is no cure for primary lateral scle-
rosis, nor a way to slow or reverse the progressive dis-
ability of this disorder; 
Whereas the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation is a volunteer- 
managed 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 Lat-
eral 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 dev-
astating diseases; and 
Whereas the month of February of 2009 would be an appro-
priate time to recognize Primary Lateral Sclerosis Aware-
ness Month in order to educate communities across the 
Nation about primary lateral sclerosis and the need for 
research funding, accurate diagnosis, and effective treat-
ments: 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—
•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 Para-
plegia Foundation for its great efforts to educate, sup-
port, 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 ob-
serve the month with appropriate programs and activi-
ties. 
Attest: 
Clerk.