[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 611 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 611

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         July 21, 2010.
Whereas fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited intellectual and 
        developmental disabilities (IDDs);
Whereas an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeat in the FMR1 gene--a human 
        gene that codes for a protein called fragile X mental retardation 
        protein--causes almost all cases of fragile X syndrome;
Whereas fragile X mental retardation protein is normally made in many tissues, 
        especially in the brain and the testes;
Whereas fragile X mental retardation protein may play a role in the development 
        of synaptic connections between nerve cells in the brain where cell-to-
        cell communication occurs;
Whereas there is a relationship between fragile X syndrome and autism;
Whereas up to one-third of all children diagnosed with fragile X syndrome also 
        have autism or an autism spectrum disorder;
Whereas over 100,000 people in the United States have fragile X syndrome and an 
        estimated 1,000,000 people in the United States carry a fragile X 
        mutation and have or are at risk of developing a fragile X-associated 
        disorder;
Whereas fragile X-associated disorders include fragile X syndrome, which causes 
        language, behavioral, and developmental disabilities; fragile X-
        associated tremor/ataxia syndrome--an adult onset progressive 
        neurological condition causing tremors and balance and memory problems 
        primarily in male carriers that can lead to decreased life expectancy; 
        and fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency--a cause of 
        infertility, early menopause, and other ovarian problems in female 
        carriers;
Whereas doctors can accurately identify and diagnose fragile X syndrome, fragile 
        X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, and fragile X-associated primary 
        ovarian insufficiency;
Whereas the National Institutes of Health is currently funding several studies 
        that may lay the groundwork for screening of all newborns in the United 
        States for early detection of the fragile X mutation;
Whereas increased research into fragile X syndrome may lead to a better 
        understanding of the disorder, more effective treatments, and an 
        eventual cure; and
Whereas advocacy organizations have designated July 22 as ``Fragile X Awareness 
        Day'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of ``Fragile X Awareness Day'';
            (2) supports raising awareness and educating the public about 
        fragile X syndrome and associated disorders;
            (3) applauds the efforts of advocates and organizations that 
        encourage awareness, promote research, and provide education, support, 
        and hope to those impacted by fragile X syndrome;
            (4) recognizes the commitment of parents, families, researchers, 
        health professionals, and others dedicated to finding an effective 
        treatment and cure for fragile X syndrome;
            (5) urges all physicians, health care providers, and specialists 
        to--
                    (A) learn the clinical signs and symptoms of fragile X 
                syndrome, fragile X-associated disorders, fragile X-associated 
                primary ovarian insufficiency, and fragile X-associated tremor/
                ataxia syndrome;
                    (B) use diagnostic, developmental screening, and 
                surveillance modalities to detect fragile X-associated 
                disorders;
                    (C) test, when appropriate, individuals exhibiting signs of 
                developmental delay or an autism spectrum disorder to determine 
                the status of their FMR1 gene;
                    (D) gain a full understanding of the genetic implications of 
                all fragile X-associated disorders, and when appropriate, make a 
                referral to a geneticist or genetic counselor to assure that 
                affected individuals and their families are aware of how a 
                fragile X-associated disorder may impact their extended family; 
                and
                    (E) provide patients diagnosed with fragile X-associated 
                disorders with supplemental information maintained by the 
                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National 
                Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and private 
                foundations such as the National Fragile X Foundation and the 
                FRAXA Research Foundation;
            (6) recommends that the National Institutes of Health and related 
        member institutes implement the research plan on fragile X syndrome and 
        associated disorders developed by the Trans-NIH Fragile X Research 
        Coordinating Group and Scientific Working Groups; and
            (7) supports funding for research into the causes, treatment, and 
        cure for fragile X syndrome.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.