[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 48 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







108th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. CON. RES. 48

   Supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Epilepsy Awareness 
 Month'' and urging funding for epilepsy research and service programs.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              June 4, 2003

 Mrs. Lincoln (for herself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Craig, Ms. Landrieu, Ms. 
     Cantwell, and Mr. DeWine) submitted the following concurrent 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
   Supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Epilepsy Awareness 
 Month'' and urging funding for epilepsy research and service programs.

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 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 an annual ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month'';
            (3) calls upon the American people to observe ``National 
        Epilepsy Awareness Month'' with appropriate programs and 
        activities;
            (4) urges an increase in funding for epilepsy research 
        programs at the National Institutes of Health and at the 
        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
            (5) urges that initial funding be provided to the Health 
        Resources and Services Administration of the Department of 
        Health and Human Services to create demonstration projects to 
        serve people with epilepsy who may lack access to adequate 
        medical care for the treatment of such disease.
                                 <all>