Title: A resolution designating October 2019 as "National Down Syndrome Awareness Month" and supporting the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This bill (1) designates October 2019 as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month; (2) supports the health, well-being, and dignity of all people with Down syndrome; (3) encourages the advancement of research about Down syndrome; and (4) acknowledges the contributions that people with Down syndrome and their families make in their communities.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 425 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>






116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 425

Designating October 2019 as ``National Down Syndrome Awareness Month'' 
and supporting the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome Awareness 
                                 Month.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           November 14, 2019

   Mr. Daines (for himself, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Inhofe, and Ms. Warren) 
 submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Designating October 2019 as ``National Down Syndrome Awareness Month'' 
and supporting the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome Awareness 
                                 Month.

Whereas 1 in every 691 babies born in the United States has Down syndrome;
Whereas Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races, and economic levels and 
        is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality;
Whereas the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome has increased 
        dramatically in recent decades, from 25 years of age in 1983 to 60 years 
        of age in 2019;
Whereas people with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions 
        that affect them, have meaningful relationships, can vote, and 
        contribute to society in many ways;
Whereas advancements in education, medical care, and research and advocacy, and 
        positive support from family, friends, and the community enable people 
        with Down syndrome to live healthy and fulfilling lives;
Whereas parents of babies and children with Down syndrome should receive the 
        education and support they need to understand the condition and acquire 
        new hope for the future of their children;
Whereas there are lifespan and health care disparities for minorities, such as 
        African Americans with Down syndrome, that should be understood and 
        addressed;
Whereas people with Down syndrome have a dramatically different health profile 
        than other individuals, as people with Down syndrome are predisposed to 
        develop major diseases (such as autoimmune disorders, leukemia, and 
        Alzheimer's disease) and may be protected from other major diseases 
        (such as solid tumor cancers, certain heart attacks, and stroke);
Whereas advancing research and medical care for people with Down syndrome can 
        not only increase life expectancy and improve health outcomes for this 
        unique population, but also holds great promise for treating and perhaps 
        curing life-threatening diseases affecting millions of other people in 
        the United States;
Whereas people with Down syndrome should have access to health care providers 
        who have easy access to updated, evidence-based medical care guidelines 
        for children and adults with the condition;
Whereas, on October 8, 2008, the Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions 
        Awareness Act (Public Law 110-374; 122 Stat. 4051) was enacted to 
        increase referrals to providers of key support services for mothers who 
        have received a positive prenatal diagnosis for Down syndrome or a 
        positive diagnosis for other prenatally or postnatally diagnosed 
        conditions;
Whereas promoting the acceptance and inclusion of individuals born with Down 
        syndrome, a genetic condition, will help those individuals achieve their 
        full potential in all aspects of their lives;
Whereas, on September 28, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a joint 
        resolution (Public Law 98-437; 98 Stat. 1683) proclaiming October 1984 
        as ``National Down's Syndrome Month'', and similar resolutions were 
        enacted annually through 1989; and
Whereas the inherent dignity and worth of people with Down syndrome, the 
        valuable contributions of people with Down syndrome as promoters of 
        well-being and diversity within their communities, and the importance of 
        the individual freedom and independence of people with Down syndrome 
        should be recognized: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates October 2019 as ``National Down Syndrome 
        Awareness Month'';
            (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome 
        Awareness Month;
            (3) celebrates the significant contributions that people 
        with Down syndrome make to their families, their communities, 
        and the United States;
            (4) is committed to promoting the health, well-being, and 
        inherent dignity of all children and adults with Down syndrome;
            (5) supports the advancement of scientific and medical 
        research on Down syndrome at the National Institutes of Health, 
        including through the INCLUDE project, focused on improving 
        health outcomes for people with the condition; and
            (6) encourages awareness and education regarding Down 
        syndrome, including for new and expectant parents.
                                 <all>