[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 896 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         July 30, 2008.
Whereas primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neuromuscular disorder 
        characterized by progressive muscle spasticity and weakness in the 
        voluntary muscles;
Whereas PLS belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases. 
        Motor neuron diseases develop when the nerve cells that control 
        voluntary muscle movement degenerate and die, causing spasticity and 
        weakness in the muscles they control;
Whereas Hardy Brown has worked tirelessly to raise funds for research for ALS 
        ``Lou Gehrig's disease'' which is a fatal motor neuron disease, and is 
        now diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis;
Whereas the onset of PLS usually occurs after age 50. Symptoms may include 
        difficulty with balance, weakness and stiffness in the legs, and 
        clumsiness. Other symptoms may include spasticity (sudden, involuntary 
        muscle spasms) in the hands, feet, or legs; foot dragging, and speech 
        problems due to involvement of the facial muscles;
Whereas primary lateral sclerosis affects individual people in different ways, 
        and as a result, treatment programs will vary;
Whereas there currently is no cure for primary lateral sclerosis, nor a way to 
        slow or reverse the progressive disability of this disorder;
Whereas the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation is a volunteer-managed and operated 
        non-profit organization devoted to finding the causes and cures for two 
        groups of neurodegenerative disorders called Spastic Paraplegia 
        (Hereditary and Apparently Sporadic) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis 
        (PLS);
Whereas the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the 
        National Institutes of Health conducts a broad range of research on 
        neuromuscular disorders such as PLS. This research is aimed at 
        developing techniques to diagnose, treat, prevent, and ultimately cure 
        these devastating diseases; and
Whereas the month of February of 2009 would be an appropriate time to recognize 
        Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month in order to educate 
        communities across the Nation about primary lateral sclerosis and the 
        need for research funding, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the need to continue research into the causes, 
        treatment, and an eventual cure for primary lateral sclerosis;
            (2) commends those hospitals, community clinics, educational 
        institutes, and other organizations that are--
                    (A) working to increase awareness of primary lateral 
                sclerosis; and
                    (B) conducting research for methods to help patients 
                suffering from primary lateral sclerosis;
            (3) congratulates the work of the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation for 
        its great efforts to educate, support, and provide hope for individuals 
        who suffer from primary lateral sclerosis, while funding research to 
        help find a cure for this disorder;
            (4) supports the designation of an appropriate time to recognize 
        ``Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month''; and
            (5) calls upon the people of the United States to observe the month 
        with appropriate programs and activities.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.