[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 51 (Thursday, March 23, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S1979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 96--DESIGNATING MARCH 25, 2017, AS ``NATIONAL 
                     CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS DAY''

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

                               S. Res. 96

       Whereas a group of permanent disorders of the development 
     of movement and posture that are attributed to nonprogressive 
     disturbances that occur in the developing brain is referred 
     to as ``cerebral palsy'';
       Whereas cerebral palsy, the most common motor disability in 
     children, is caused by damage to 1 or more specific areas of 
     the developing brain, which usually occurs during fetal 
     development before, during, or after birth;
       Whereas the majority of children who have cerebral palsy 
     are born with cerebral palsy, but cerebral palsy may be 
     undetected for months or years;
       Whereas 75 percent of individuals with cerebral palsy also 
     have 1 or more developmental disabilities, including 
     epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism, visual impairment, 
     or blindness;
       Whereas, according to information released by the Centers 
     for Disease Control and Prevention--
       (1) the prevalence of cerebral palsy is not changing over 
     time; and
       (2) an estimated 1 in 323 children has cerebral palsy;

       Whereas approximately 764,000 individuals in the United 
     States are affected by cerebral palsy;
       Whereas, although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, 
     treatment often improves the capabilities of a child with 
     cerebral palsy;
       Whereas scientists and researchers are hopeful for 
     breakthroughs in cerebral palsy research;
       Whereas researchers across the United States conduct 
     important research projects involving cerebral palsy; and
       Whereas the Senate can raise awareness of cerebral palsy in 
     the public and the medical community: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates March 25, 2017, as ``National Cerebral Palsy 
     Awareness Day'';
       (2) encourages each individual in the United States to 
     become better informed about and aware of cerebral palsy; and
       (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate 
     transmit a copy of this resolution to the Executive Director 
     of Reaching for the Stars: A Foundation of Hope for Children 
     with Cerebral Palsy.

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