IV 
117TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 1413 
Expressing support for designation of September 2022 as ‘‘National Dystonia 
Awareness Month’’ and raising awareness and understanding of the dis-
order of dystonia. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey (for himself and Ms. SCHAKOWSKY) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing support for designation of September 2022 as 
‘‘National Dystonia Awareness Month’’ and raising 
awareness and understanding of the disorder of dystonia. 
Whereas dystonia is the third most common movement dis-
order, affecting no fewer than 300,000 people in the 
United States and millions worldwide; 
Whereas dystonia is a neurological movement disorder pre-
senting in various forms, characterized by involuntary 
muscle contractions causing repetitive or twisting move-
ments; 
Whereas symptoms of dystonia can range from very mild to 
severe and may affect only one muscle, only one group 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:05 Oct 01, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6300
E:\BILLS\HR1413.IH
HR1413
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
•HRES 1413 IH 
of muscles, or muscles throughout the body including 
those that move the foot, hand, neck, eyes, and mouth; 
Whereas people with dystonia may experience physical pain, 
depression, and anxiety, and dystonia can impede the 
ability to perform daily tasks; 
Whereas there are limited treatments for dystonia, and there 
is currently no cure; 
Whereas dystonia is commonly misdiagnosed, delaying access 
to appropriate medical care for those affected; 
Whereas caregivers and family members provide physical, 
emotional, and financial support associated with caring 
for persons living with dystonia; 
Whereas the severity of the symptoms of dystonia and the 
limited public awareness of the disease can cause isola-
tion for people with dystonia; 
Whereas National Dystonia Awareness Month will raise pub-
lic awareness and understanding of the disorder of 
dystonia, a disorder affecting people of all ages, races, 
ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic classes; 
Whereas National Dystonia Awareness Month will also in-
crease awareness and knowledge of the impact that the 
various forms of dystonia have on those affected and 
their caregivers and families; 
Whereas the dystonia community is united in raising aware-
ness throughout September; and 
Whereas the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research 
Foundation, the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, 
the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association, and the 
National Spasmodic Torticollis Association are dedicated 
to— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:05 Oct 01, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6300
E:\BILLS\HR1413.IH
HR1413
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
•HRES 1413 IH 
(1) conducting research to find treatments and a 
cure for dystonia; 
(2) fostering public awareness and understanding of 
the disorder; 
(3) educating patients and their families about 
dystonia to improve their quality of life, treatment oppor-
tunities, and care; and 
(4) providing support and encouraging people to be-
come advocates, including through annual patient edu-
cation conferences, school-based educational programs, 
and local events to raise funds for dystonia research, edu-
cation, advocacy, and awareness: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘National 
Dystonia Awareness Month’’; 
(2) supports the goals and ideals of National 
Dystonia Awareness Month to raise public awareness 
and understanding of dystonia; 
(3) recognizes the need for additional research 
to find a cure for all forms of dystonia; and 
(4) encourages all people in the United States 
and interested groups to support National Dystonia 
Awareness Month through activities to promote pub-
lic awareness of dystonia and foster the under-
standing of the impact of dystonia in people living 
with it and their caregivers and families. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:05 Oct 01, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\HR1413.IH
HR1413
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS