[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1333 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                    September 25, 2008.
Whereas Tay-Sachs disease is a rare, genetic disorder that causes destruction of 
        nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord due to the poor functioning of 
        an enzyme called beta-hexosaminidase A;
Whereas there is no proven treatment or cure for Tay-Sachs disease, which is 
        always fatal in children;
Whereas the disorder was named after Warren Tay, an ophthalmologist from the 
        United Kingdom, and Bernard Sachs, a neurologist from the United States, 
        both of whom contributed to the discovery of the disease in 1881 and 
        1887, respectively;
Whereas Tay-Sachs disease often affects families with no prior history of the 
        disease;
Whereas approximately 1 in 27 Ashkenazi Jews, 1 in 30 Louisianan Cajuns, 1 in 30 
        French Canadians, 1 in 50 Irish Americans, and 1 in every 250 people are 
        carriers of Tay-Sachs disease;
Whereas approximately 1,200,000 Americans are carriers of Tay-Sachs disease;
Whereas these unaffected carriers of the disease possess the recessive gene that 
        can trigger the disease in future generations;
Whereas if both parents of a child are carriers of Tay-Sachs disease, there is a 
        1 in 4 chance that the child will develop Tay-Sachs disease;
Whereas a blood test can determine if an individual is a carrier of Tay-Sachs 
        disease, and those citizens who are members of high-risk populations 
        should consider being screened; and
Whereas heightened awareness and continued research efforts are the best ways to 
        find a treatment for this horrific disease: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of 
Tay-Sachs Awareness Month and encourages and supports education and research 
efforts with respect to Tay-Sachs disease.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.