IV 
118TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 404 
Expressing support for the designation of May 15, 2023, as ‘‘Prader-Willi 
Syndrome Awareness Day’’ to raise awareness of and promote research 
on the disorder. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 15, 2023 
Mr. TONKO (for himself and Ms. SALAZAR) submitted the following resolution; 
which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing support for the designation of May 15, 2023, 
as ‘‘Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day’’ to raise 
awareness of and promote research on the disorder. 
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic dis-
order and the most common of the genetic disorders that 
cause life-threatening obesity in children; 
Whereas PWS usually results from problems on chromosome 
15; 
Whereas PWS is a complex genetic disorder that occurs in 
approximately 1 out of every 15,000 births; 
Whereas, in the United States, there are approximately 
10,000 to 20,000 living individuals with PWS; 
Whereas PWS affects— 
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•HRES 404 IH 
(1) males and females with equal frequency; and 
(2) all races and ethnicities; 
Whereas PWS causes an extreme and insatiable appetite, 
often resulting in severe obesity; 
Whereas severe obesity is the major cause of death for indi-
viduals with PWS; 
Whereas one of the main symptoms of PWS is the inability 
to control eating and constant hunger, and other symp-
toms include low muscle tone and poor feeding as an in-
fant, delays in intellectual development, and difficulty 
controlling emotions; 
Whereas PWS causes cognitive and learning disabilities and 
behavioral difficulties, including obsessive-compulsive dis-
order and difficulty controlling emotions; 
Whereas PWS affects many aspects of the person’s life, in-
cluding eating, behavior and mood, physical growth, and 
intellectual development; 
Whereas PWS can affect hormone production and cause 
other health complications; 
Whereas PWS can lead to obesity and related complications 
such as heart issues, diabetes, and high blood pressure; 
Whereas studies have shown that individuals with PWS have 
a high morbidity and mortality rate; 
Whereas individuals with PWS, like many other rare dis-
orders, experience challenges with obtaining a diagnosis, 
limited treatment options, and difficulty finding and ac-
cessing treatment centers and physicians with expertise 
in PWS; 
Whereas there is no known cure for PWS; 
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•HRES 404 IH 
Whereas early diagnosis of PWS allows families to access 
treatment, intervention services, and support from health 
professionals, advocacy organizations, and other families 
who are dealing with PWS; 
Whereas discovered treatments, including the use of human 
growth hormone, are improving the quality of life for in-
dividuals with the syndrome and offer new hope to fami-
lies, but many difficult symptoms associated with PWS 
remain untreated; 
Whereas increased research into PWS— 
(1) may lead to a better understanding of the dis-
order, more effective treatments, and an eventual cure for 
PWS; and 
(2) is likely to lead to a better understanding of 
common public health concerns, including childhood obe-
sity and mental health; 
Whereas there is a critical need for research and development 
to advance treatments for PWS; 
Whereas studies have shown that individuals with PWS have 
a high morbidity and mortality rate; 
Whereas the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, a nonprofit 
organization established in 1975, provides parents and 
health care professionals with a national and inter-
national network of information, support services, and re-
search endeavors to expressly meet the needs of children 
and adults with PWS and their families; 
Whereas the organization comprises parents, professionals, 
and other interested individuals who are taking active 
roles in improving the lives of people with PWS; 
Whereas the goals of the organization include— 
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•HRES 404 IH 
(1) normalizing life for people with PWS and their 
families; 
(2) improving communication and education; and 
(3) acting as a lifetime advocate for affected individ-
uals; 
Whereas the association also supports research, interdiscipli-
nary communication, and increased professional knowl-
edge of treatments; and 
Whereas ‘‘Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day’’ is ex-
pected to be observed in the United States for years to 
come, providing hope and information for patients, care-
givers, and families around the country: Now, therefore, 
be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘Prader-Willi 
Syndrome Awareness Day’’; 
(2) applauds the efforts of advocates and orga-
nizations that encourage awareness, promote re-
search, and provide education, support, and hope to 
those impacted by Prader-Willi syndrome; 
(3) recognizes the commitment of parents, fam-
ilies, researchers, health professionals, and others 
dedicated to finding an effective treatment and even-
tual cure for Prader-Willi syndrome; and 
(4) recognizes the importance of, with respect 
to Prader-Willi syndrome— 
(A) improving awareness and educating 
the public; 
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(B) encouraging accurate and early diag-
nosis; 
(C) advancing research; 
(D) 
developing 
new 
treatments, 
diagnostics, and cures; and 
(E) identifying regulatory pathways for 
drug development of rare diseases like Prader- 
Willi syndrome. 
Æ 
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