[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 268 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 268

 Designating July 17 through July 23 as ``National Fragile X Awareness 
                                Week''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 9, 2000

  Mr. Edwards (for himself, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Robb, Mrs. Boxer, and Mr. 
 Kerrey) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                       Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Designating July 17 through July 23 as ``National Fragile X Awareness 
                                Week''.

Whereas Fragile X is the most common inherited cause of mental retardation, 
        affecting people of every race, income level, and nationality;
Whereas 1 in every 260 women is a carrier of the Fragile X defect;
Whereas 1 in every 4,000 children is born with the Fragile X defect, and 
        typically requires a lifetime of special care at a cost of over 
        $2,000,000;
Whereas Fragile X remains frequently undetected due to its recent discovery and 
        the lack of awareness about the disease, even within the medical 
        community;
Whereas the genetic defect causing Fragile X has been discovered, and is easily 
        identified by testing;
Whereas inquiry into Fragile X is a powerful research model for neuropsychiatric 
        disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, pervasive developmental 
        disorders, and other forms of X-linked mental retardation;
Whereas individuals with Fragile X can provide a homogeneous research population 
        for advancing the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders;
Whereas with concerted research efforts, a cure for Fragile X may be developed;
Whereas Fragile X research, both basic and applied, has been vastly underfunded 
        despite the prevalence of the disorder, the potential for the 
        development of a cure, the established benefits of available treatments 
        and intervention, and the significance that Fragile X research has for 
        related disorders; and
Whereas the Senate as an institution and Members of Congress as individuals are 
        in unique positions to help raise public awareness about the need for 
        increased funding for research and early diagnosis and treatment for the 
        disorder known as Fragile X: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates July 17 through July 23 as National Fragile 
        X Awareness Week; and
            (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        calling upon the people of the United States to observe 
        National Fragile X Awareness Week with appropriate recognition 
        and activities.
                                 <all>