IV
106TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. CON. RES. 299
Recognizing fragile X as the most common inherited cause of mental retarda-
tion and as a powerful research model for other disorders, urging in-
creased 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 re-
search, 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
•HCON 299 IH
of awareness about the disease, even within the medical
community;
Whereas the genetic defect causing fragile X has been discov-
ered, and is easily identified by testing;
Whereas inquiry into fragile X is a powerful research model
for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizo-
phrenia, pervasive developmental disorders, and other
forms of X-chromosome-linked mental retardation;
Whereas individuals with fragile X can provide a homo-
geneous research population for advancing the under-
standing 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 estab-
lished benefits of available treatments and intervention,
and the significance that fragile X research has for re-
lated disorders; and
Whereas Members of Congress are in unique positions to help
raise public awareness about the need for increased fund-
ing for research and early diagnosis and treatment for
the disorder known as fragile X: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress—
(1) recognizes the devastating impact of fragile
X on thousands of Americans and their families;
(2) recognizes the leadership of the National In-
stitute of Child Health and Human Development,
•HCON 299 IH
the National Institute of Mental Health, and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in re-
search efforts to find a cure for fragile X and re-
lated disorders;
(3) calls on these and other sources of Federal
and private research funds to enhance and increase
their efforts and commitments to fragile X research;
and
(4) calls on medical schools and other health
educators, medical societies and associations, and
Federal, State, and local health care facilities to—
(A) learn, teach, and promote awareness of
the incidence, causes, symptoms, effects, and
treatment of fragile X; and
(B) support screening of newborns for
fragile X to permit early intervention and treat-
ment.
Æ