117 SRES 554 IS: Designating March 2022 as “World Down Syndrome Month” and supporting the goals and ideals of World Down Syndrome Month. U.S. Senate 2022-03-21 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 554 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 21, 2022 Mr. Daines (for himself and Mr. Hickenlooper) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating March 2022 as World Down Syndrome Month and supporting the goals and ideals of World Down Syndrome Month.

Whereas 1 in every 691 babies born in the United States has Down syndrome, and only 1 in every 1,100 worldwide; Whereas Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal condition and occurs in all racial, ethnic, and economic groups; Whereas individuals with Down syndrome attend school, work, make their own life decisions, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society; Whereas advancements in education, medical care, research, and advocacy and positive support from family, friends, and the community contribute to individuals with Down syndrome living healthy and fulfilling lives; Whereas promoting inclusive education, competitive integrated employment, and home and community-based services for individuals with Down syndrome is vital to individuals with Down syndrome achieving independence, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation in society; Whereas the life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome in the United States has increased dramatically in recent decades, from 25 years of age in 1983 to 60 years of age in 2022; Whereas racial and ethnic minorities with Down syndrome experience life expectancy and health care disparities, which should be understood and addressed; Whereas individuals with Down syndrome have different health profiles than other individuals, as individuals with Down syndrome are predisposed to develop certain major diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, leukemia, and Alzheimer’s disease, and may not experience other major diseases, such as solid tumor cancers, certain heart attacks, and stroke; Whereas individuals with Down syndrome should have access to health care providers who have easy access to updated, evidence-based medical care guidelines for children and adults with Down syndrome; Whereas parents of babies and children with Down syndrome should receive the education and support they need to understand Down syndrome; Whereas, on October 8, 2008, the Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act (Public Law 110–374; 122 Stat. 4051) was enacted to increase referrals in the United States to providers of key support services for mothers who have received a positive prenatal diagnosis for Down syndrome or a positive diagnosis for other prenatally or postnatally diagnosed conditions; Whereas the United States, along with over 100 other countries, officially observes the date March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day, because Down syndrome occurs when an individual is born with 3 copies of chromosome 21; and Whereas the inherent dignity and worth of individuals with Down syndrome, the valuable contributions of individuals with Down syndrome as promoters of well-being and diversity within their communities, and the importance of the individual freedom and independence of individuals with Down syndrome should be recognized: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates March 2022 as World Down Syndrome Month; (2)supports the goals and ideals of World Down Syndrome Month; (3)celebrates the significant contributions that individuals with Down syndrome make to their families, their communities, the United States, and the world; (4)is committed to promoting the health, education, employment, well-being, community inclusion and support, and inherent dignity of all children and adults with Down syndrome; (5)supports the advancement of scientific and medical research benefitting individuals with Down syndrome through the national and international endeavors of the National Institutes of Health, including through the INCLUDE project, focused on improving health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome; and (6)encourages awareness and education regarding Down syndrome, including for new and expectant parents.