[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 33 (Thursday, February 27, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 366--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF 
                   MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS WEEK

  Mr. CASEY (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Markey, Mr. Johanns, Mr. 
Isakson, and Mr. Brown) submitted the following resolution; which was 
considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 366

       Whereas multiple sclerosis (MS) can impact people of all 
     ages, races, and ethnicities;
       Whereas MS is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in 
     men;
       Whereas while MS is not directly inherited, studies show 
     there are genetic and, probably, environmental, ethnic, and 
     geographic factors that make certain individuals more 
     susceptible to the disease;
       Whereas worldwide, there are approximately 2,300,000 people 
     who have been diagnosed with MS;
       Whereas MS is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 
     and 50, however, it is estimated that between 8,000 and 
     10,000 children and adolescents in the United States are 
     living with MS;
       Whereas MS is an unpredictable neurological disease that 
     interrupts the flow of information within the brain and 
     between the brain and the rest of the body;
       Whereas symptoms of MS range from numbness and tingling in 
     the extremities to blindness and paralysis, and the progress, 
     severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any affected 
     individual cannot yet be predicted;
       Whereas there is no single laboratory test available that 
     provides a definitive diagnosis for MS;
       Whereas the exact cause of MS is still unknown, and there 
     is no cure;
       Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition, a national 
     network of independent organizations dedicated to enhancing 
     quality of life for all those affected by MS, recognizes and 
     supports Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during March of 
     every year;
       Whereas the mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition is 
     to enhance cooperation among organizations to provide greater 
     benefits to individuals and families affected by MS;
       Whereas the goals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week are 
     to invite people to join the movement to end MS, encourage 
     people to demonstrate their commitment to moving toward a 
     world free from MS, and acknowledge those who have dedicated 
     their time and talent to advancing MS research and programs; 
     and
       Whereas this year Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is 
     being recognized during the week of March 3, 2014, through 
     March 9, 2014: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis 
     Awareness Week;
       (2) supports promoting awareness of individuals who are 
     affected by multiple sclerosis;
       (3) encourages States, localities, and the territories and 
     possessions of the United States to support the goals and 
     ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week by issuing 
     proclamations designating March 3, 2014, through March 9, 
     2014, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week;
       (4) commends the efforts of States, localities, and the 
     territories and possessions of the United States to support 
     the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week;
       (5) encourages media organizations to participate in 
     Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week by educating the public 
     about multiple sclerosis;
       (6) recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of the United 
     States to ending multiple sclerosis by supporting multiple 
     sclerosis research and education programs;
       (7) supports all individuals in the United States living 
     with multiple sclerosis;
       (8) expresses gratitude to the family and friends of 
     individuals living with multiple sclerosis, who are a source 
     of love and encouragement to those individuals; and
       (9) salutes the health care professionals and medical 
     researchers who--
       (A) provide assistance to individuals affected by multiple 
     sclerosis; and
       (B) continue to work towards finding new ways to stop the 
     progression of the disease, treat its symptoms, and end 
     multiple sclerosis forever.

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