IV 117th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1413 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 disorder, affecting no fewer than 300,000 people in the United States and millions worldwide; Whereas dystonia is a neurological movement disorder presenting in various forms, characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing repetitive or twisting movements; Whereas symptoms of dystonia can range from very mild to severe and may affect only one muscle, only one group 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 isolation for people with dystonia; Whereas National Dystonia Awareness Month will raise public 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 increase 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 awareness 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— (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 opportunities, and care; and (4) providing support and encouraging people to become advocates, including through annual patient education conferences, school-based educational programs, and local events to raise funds for dystonia research, education, advocacy, and awareness: Now, therefore, be it

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 public awareness of dystonia and foster the understanding of the impact of dystonia in people living with it and their caregivers and families.