[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 14, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 IN RECOGNITION OF CFIDS AWARENESS DAY

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I'd like to take a few minutes of 
Senate business today to talk about chronic fatigue and immune 
dysfunction syndrome [CFIDS].
  Mr. President, this past Sunday, May 12, marked the observance of 
International CFIDS Awareness Day. While the CFIDS Association of 
America coordinated a national awareness and educational campaign with 
respect to CFIDS, I'd like to make particular mention of the efforts of 
an organization in Pennsylvania, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 
Association of the Lehigh Valley.
  The severity of chronic fatigue syndrome is largely unknown to the 
American public, and the observance on May 12th served as a very 
important and worthwhile opportunity to inform, educate, and increase 
the awareness of the illness. I commend the Lehigh Valley organization 
for their tireless efforts in combating CFIDS and for their 
participation and coordination of activities on May 12. In recognition 
of their efforts, I would like to bring to the attention of my 
colleagues the following proclamation, and I encourage the Senate's 
consideration and endorsement.

                              Proclamation

       Whereas, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of the 
     Lehigh Valley joins the CFIDS Association of America in 
     observing May 12, 1996 as International Chronic Fatigue and 
     Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Awareness Day; and
       Whereas, chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex illness 
     affecting many different body systems and is characterized by 
     neurological, rheumatological and immunological problems; 
     incapacitating fatigue; and numerous other long-term severely 
     debilitating symptoms; and
       Whereas, while there has been increased activity at the 
     national, State and local levels, continued education and 
     training of health professionals is imperative in garnering 
     greater public awareness of this serious health problem and 
     in supporting patients and their families; and
       Whereas, although research has been strengthened by the 
     efforts of the Centers for Disease Control, the National 
     Institutes of Health, and other private research 
     institutions, the CFS Association of the Lehigh Valley 
     recognizes that much more must be done to encourage further 
     research so that the mission we share with the CFIDS 
     Association of America, ``to conquer CFIDS and related 
     disorders'', can be achieved. Therefore, be it Resolved, that 
     the United States Senate hereby commends the designation of 
     May 12, 1996 as CFIDS Awareness Day and applauds the efforts 
     of those battling the illness.

  I appreciate the Senate's consideration of this issue, and thank my 
colleagues for their attention.

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