•HRES 176 IH 
the flow of information within the brain, and between the 
brain and body; 
Whereas symptoms of multiple sclerosis range from numb-
ness and tingling, to vision problems and paralysis, and 
the progress, severity, and specific symptoms of multiple 
sclerosis in any one person cannot yet be predicted; 
Whereas while there is no evidence that multiple sclerosis is 
directly inherited, studies show that there are genetic and 
environmental factors that give certain individuals a 
higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis; 
Whereas the exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown 
and there is no cure; 
Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition, a national network 
of independent multiple sclerosis organizations dedicated 
to the enhancement of the quality of life for all those af-
fected by multiple sclerosis, recognizes and supports Mul-
tiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; 
Whereas the mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition is to 
increase opportunities for cooperation and provide greater 
opportunity to leverage the effective use of resources for 
the benefit of the multiple sclerosis community; 
Whereas the United States plays a critical role in coordi-
nating multiple sclerosis research globally and amplifies 
the impact of research in the United States through 
which results are delivered to multiple sclerosis patients; 
Whereas, in 2012, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society 
was a founding member of the International Progressive 
Multiple Sclerosis Alliance, which coordinates research to 
accelerate the development of treatments for progressive 
multiple sclerosis by removing international scientific and 
technological barriers and which now includes 16 multiple 
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•HRES 176 IH 
sclerosis organizations from 15 countries, 8 foundation 
and trust members and 5 pharmaceutical partners; 
Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition recognizes and sup-
ports Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during March 
of every calendar year; 
Whereas the goals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week are 
to invite people to join the movement to end multiple 
sclerosis, encourage everyone to do something to dem-
onstrate a commitment to moving toward a world free of 
multiple sclerosis, and acknowledge those who have dedi-
cated time and talent to help promote multiple sclerosis 
research and programs; and 
Whereas, in 2017, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is rec-
ognized during the week of March 5 through March 11: 
Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the goals and ideals of Multiple 
Sclerosis Awareness Week; 
(2) encourages States, territories, possessions of 
the United States, and localities to support the goals 
and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week by 
issuing proclamations designating Multiple Sclerosis 
Awareness Week; 
(3) encourages media organizations to— 
(A) 
participate 
in 
Multiple 
Sclerosis 
Awareness Week; and 
(B) help provide education to the public 
about multiple sclerosis; 
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•HRES 176 IH 
(4) commends the efforts of the States, terri-
tories, and possessions of the United States to sup-
port the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis 
Awareness Week; 
(5) recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of 
the United States to ending multiple sclerosis by— 
(A) promoting awareness about individuals 
that are affected by multiple sclerosis; and 
(B) supporting multiple sclerosis research 
and education programs; 
(6) recognizes all individuals in the United 
States living with multiple sclerosis; 
(7) expresses gratitude to the family members 
and friends of individuals living with multiple scle-
rosis, who are a source of love and encouragement 
to those individuals; and 
(8) salutes the health care professionals and 
medical researchers who— 
(A) provide assistance to those individuals 
affected by multiple sclerosis; and 
(B) continue to work to find ways to stop 
multiple sclerosis in its tracks, restore what has 
been lost, and end multiple sclerosis forever. 
Æ 
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