[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 182 (Thursday, November 14, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 425--DESIGNATING OCTOBER 2019 AS ``NATIONAL DOWN 
   SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH'' AND SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF 
                 NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Inhofe, and Ms. Warren) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 425

       Whereas 1 in every 691 babies born in the United States has 
     Down syndrome;
       Whereas Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races, 
     and economic levels and is the most frequently occurring 
     chromosomal abnormality;
       Whereas the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome 
     has increased dramatically in recent decades, from 25 years 
     of age in 1983 to 60 years of age in 2019;
       Whereas people with Down syndrome attend school, work, 
     participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful 
     relationships, can vote, and contribute to society in many 
     ways;
       Whereas advancements in education, medical care, and 
     research and advocacy, and positive support from family, 
     friends, and the community enable people with Down syndrome 
     to live healthy and fulfilling lives;
       Whereas parents of babies and children with Down syndrome 
     should receive the education and support they need to 
     understand the condition and acquire new hope for the future 
     of their children;
       Whereas there are lifespan and health care disparities for 
     minorities, such as African Americans with Down syndrome, 
     that should be understood and addressed;
       Whereas people with Down syndrome have a dramatically 
     different health profile than other individuals, as people 
     with Down syndrome are predisposed to develop major diseases 
     (such as autoimmune disorders, leukemia, and Alzheimer's 
     disease) and may be protected from other major diseases (such 
     as solid tumor cancers, certain heart attacks, and stroke);
       Whereas advancing research and medical care for people with 
     Down syndrome can not only increase life expectancy and 
     improve health outcomes for this unique population, but also 
     holds great promise for treating and perhaps curing life-
     threatening diseases affecting millions of other people in 
     the United States;
       Whereas people 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 the condition;
       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 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 promoting the acceptance and inclusion of 
     individuals born with Down syndrome, a genetic condition, 
     will help those individuals achieve their full potential in 
     all aspects of their lives;
       Whereas, on September 28, 1984, President Ronald Reagan 
     signed a joint resolution (Public Law 98-437; 98 Stat. 1683) 
     proclaiming October 1984 as ``National Down's Syndrome 
     Month'', and similar resolutions were enacted annually 
     through 1989; and
       Whereas the inherent dignity and worth of people with Down 
     syndrome, the valuable contributions of people with Down 
     syndrome as promoters of well-being and diversity within 
     their communities, and the importance of the individual 
     freedom and independence of people with Down syndrome should 
     be recognized: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates October 2019 as ``National Down Syndrome 
     Awareness Month'';
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome 
     Awareness Month;
       (3) celebrates the significant contributions that people 
     with Down syndrome make to their families, their communities, 
     and the United States;
       (4) is committed to promoting the health, well-being, and 
     inherent dignity of all children and adults with Down 
     syndrome;
       (5) supports the advancement of scientific and medical 
     research on Down syndrome at the National Institutes of 
     Health, including through the INCLUDE project, focused on 
     improving health outcomes for people with the condition; and
       (6) encourages awareness and education regarding Down 
     syndrome, including for new and expectant parents.

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