[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S3534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 22--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE CONGRESS 
  THAT THE CITIZENS' STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHOULD RECOMMEND TO THE 
  POSTMASTER GENERAL THAT A COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP BE ISSUED TO 
               PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF DOWN SYNDROME

  Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. Cochran) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland 
Security and Governmental Affairs:

                            S. Con. Res. 22

       Whereas Down syndrome affects people of all races and 
     economic levels;
       Whereas Down syndrome is the most frequently occurring 
     chromosomal abnormality;
       Whereas 1 in every 800 to 1,000 children is born with Down 
     syndrome;
       Whereas more than 350,000 people in the United States have 
     Down syndrome;
       Whereas 5,000 children with Down syndrome are born each 
     year;
       Whereas as the mortality rate associated with Down syndrome 
     in the United States decreases, the prevalence of individuals 
     with Down syndrome in the United States will increase;
       Whereas some experts project that the number of people with 
     Down syndrome will double by 2013;
       Whereas individuals with Down syndrome are becoming 
     increasingly integrated into society and community 
     organizations, such as schools, health care systems, work 
     forces, and social and recreational activities;
       Whereas more and more people in the United States interact 
     with individuals with Down syndrome, increasing the need for 
     widespread public acceptance and education; and
       Whereas a greater understanding of Down syndrome and 
     advancements in treatment of Down syndrome-related health 
     problems have allowed people with Down syndrome to enjoy 
     fuller and more active lives: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that--
       (1) the United States Postal Service should issue a 
     commemorative postage stamp to promote public awareness of 
     Down syndrome; and
       (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend 
     to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to submit legislation 
expressing support for the creation of a commemorative stamp to promote 
public awareness of Down syndrome. I start by saluting those who are 
celebrating World Down Syndrome Day, and by thanking Senator Cochran 
for his support, as well as the National Down Syndrome Society, the Arc 
of the United States, the National Association for Down Syndrome, and 
the Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization.
  Awareness begins with facts. According to the National Association 
for Down Syndrome, Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes 
delays in physical and intellectual development. Individuals with Down 
syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It is the most 
frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related 
to race, nationality, religion, or economic status. It is a condition 
that impacts our entire society.
  Children with Down syndrome are prone to health complications such as 
congenital heart defects, infection, respiratory, vision and hearing 
problems, and other medical conditions. Yet, they have their own gifts, 
and can often lead independent lives. While children with Down syndrome 
may face relatively greater challenges in areas such as memory, they 
often have particular strengths in areas such as social knowledge.
  A testament to the fighting spirit and abilities of individuals 
living with Down syndrome resides near me in Springfield, IL. Diana 
Braun is an amazing woman. She survived an abusive family, scattered 
siblings, and institutional living to emerge as an Illinois leader and 
advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. She is president of 
People First and a member of the Illinois Council on Developmental 
Disabilities. She currently serves on the board of the Illinois Arc and 
works as a personal assistant to her friend and fellow activist, Kathy 
Conour. Together, they travel to Washington almost yearly to meet with 
their elected officials. She is a remarkable human being by any 
standard, and we in Illinois are proud that she has chosen to lead and 
advocate in our State. She and those for whom she advocates deserve our 
support.
  The United States Postal Service has done a remarkable job of raising 
awareness, and in some cases money, for many worthy causes. This cause 
could not be more worthy, or in greater need of attention. There are 
more than 350,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United 
States. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome. These 
births impact millions more--parents, siblings, friends, educators, and 
employers.
  A commemorative stamp is the least that we as a body can do to spread 
awareness and provide support for this universal issue. Many Down 
syndrome support groups make a point of noting that people with Down 
syndrome are more like other people than they are different. They are 
different in that they are gifted with that rare strength that comes 
from adversity, and the compassion that comes from understanding the 
fight. I salute these individuals, their families, and everyone who 
supports them. I hope that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Commission will 
do the same.

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