[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 201 (Thursday, November 18, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S8454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 457--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF 
  NOVEMBER 9, 2021, AS ``NATIONAL MICROTIA AND ATRESIA AWARENESS DAY''

  Ms. WARREN (for herself, Mrs. Capito, and Mr. Markey) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions:

                              S. Res. 457

       Whereas microtia is a congenital anomaly, affecting the 
     outer ear, where the ear does not fully develop during the 
     first trimester of pregnancy;
       Whereas microtia is often accompanied by aural atresia, 
     which is the absence or closure of the external auditory ear 
     canal resulting in hearing loss;
       Whereas an estimated 750,000 people worldwide have 
     microtia;
       Whereas microtia is diagnosed at birth, affecting 1 ear or 
     both ears, but there is no understanding as to why microtia 
     occurs;
       Whereas aural atresia is usually diagnosed at birth, 
     affecting 1 ear or both ears, but in some cases may not be 
     recognized until later in life;
       Whereas doctors and nurses may be well versed in the 
     conditions and quickly educate and prepare parents;
       Whereas, in certain settings, the conditions are rare 
     enough that misinformation or lack of information quickly 
     evaporates any remaining sense of celebration that 
     accompanies a birth; and
       Whereas living with facial challenges such as craniofacial 
     microsomia and hearing loss, as well as the longing for 
     social acceptance, are some of the daily concerns for 
     individuals who are born with microtia or aural atresia: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) expresses support for the designation of November 9, 
     2021, as ``National Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day'';
       (2) encourages each person of the United States--
       (A) to celebrate the community that is made up of not only 
     children and adults with microtia or aural atresia, but 
     families, teachers, advocates, and medical professionals from 
     around the world who foster awareness and assistance; and
       (B) to help promote public awareness of microtia, aural 
     atresia, and the hope that future generations of families 
     will leave the hospital equipped with more answers than 
     questions, along with their dream for their child intact;
       (3) supports efforts to remove unnecessary barriers and 
     replace them with resources and tools that aim to eliminate 
     bullying and clear the way for an even more successful future 
     for those with microtia or atresia;
       (4) encourages Federal, State, and local policymakers to 
     work together--
       (A) to raise awareness about microtia or atresia;
       (B) to improve proper diagnosis of microtia or atresia; and
       (C) to support advancements in technology that improve the 
     lives of those with microtia and aural atresia; and
       (5) encourages the President to issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to observe the 
     day with appropriate awareness and educational activities.

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