[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 48 Referred in House (RFH)]

  1st Session
S. CON. RES. 48


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 16, 2003

            Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

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                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
   Supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Epilepsy Awareness 
 Month'' and urging support 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 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.

            Passed the Senate June 12, 2003.

            Attest:

                                             EMILY J. REYNOLDS,

                                                             Secretary.