[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 48 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        S.Con.Res.48
                                     Agreed to November 19, 2003        

                       One Hundred Eighth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE FIRST SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
           the seventh day of January, two thousand and three


                          Concurrent Resolution

Whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures and 
  affects 2,300,000 people in the United States;
Whereas a seizure is a disturbance in the electrical activity of the 
  brain, and 1 in every 12 Americans will suffer at least 1 seizure;
Whereas 180,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy are diagnosed each 
  year, and 3 percent of Americans will develop epilepsy by the time 
  they are 75;
Whereas 41 percent of people who currently have epilepsy experience 
  persistent seizures despite the treatment they are receiving;
Whereas a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and 
  Prevention demonstrated that the hardships imposed by epilepsy are 
  comparable to those imposed by cancer, diabetes, and arthritis;
Whereas epilepsy in older children and adults remains a formidable 
  barrier to leading a normal life by affecting education, employment, 
  marriage, childbearing, and personal fulfillment;
Whereas uncontrollable seizures in a child can create multiple problems 
  affecting the child's development, education, socialization, and 
  daily life activities;
Whereas the social stigma surrounding epilepsy continues to fuel 
  discrimination, and isolates people who suffer from seizure disorders 
  from mainstream life;
Whereas a significant number of people with epilepsy may lack access to 
  medical care for the treatment of the disease;
Whereas in spite of these formidable obstacles, people with epilepsy 
  can live healthy and productive lives and make significant 
  contributions to society;
Whereas November is an appropriate month to designate as ``National 
  Epilepsy Awareness Month''; and
Whereas the designation of a ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month'' 
  would help to focus attention on, and increase understanding of, 
  epilepsy and those people who suffer from it: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), 
That Congress--
        (1) supports the goals and ideals of a ``National Epilepsy 
    Awareness Month'';
        (2) requests the President to issue a proclamation declaring a 
    ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month'';
        (3) calls upon the American people to observe ``National 
    Epilepsy Awareness Month'' with appropriate programs and 
    activities; and
        (4) urges support for epilepsy research programs at the 
    National Institutes of Health and at the Centers for Disease 
    Control and Prevention.
  Attest:

                                               Secretary of the Senate.

  Attest:

                                 Clerk of the House of Representatives.