[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 50 (Monday, March 21, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1271-S1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 554--DESIGNATING MARCH 2022 AS ``WORLD DOWN SYNDROME 
  MONTH'' AND SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF WORLD DOWN SYNDROME 
                                 MONTH

  Mr. DAINES (for himself and Mr. Hickenlooper) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

[[Page S1272]]

  


                              S. Res. 554

       Whereas 1 in every 691 babies born in the United States has 
     Down syndrome, and only 1 in every 1,100 worldwide;
       Whereas Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal 
     condition and occurs in all racial, ethnic, and economic 
     groups;
       Whereas individuals with Down syndrome attend school, work, 
     make their own life decisions, have meaningful relationships, 
     vote, and contribute to society;
       Whereas advancements in education, medical care, research, 
     and advocacy and positive support from family, friends, and 
     the community contribute to individuals with Down syndrome 
     living healthy and fulfilling lives;
       Whereas promoting inclusive education, competitive 
     integrated employment, and home and community-based services 
     for individuals with Down syndrome is vital to individuals 
     with Down syndrome achieving independence, economic self-
     sufficiency, and full participation in society;
       Whereas the life expectancy of individuals with Down 
     syndrome in the United States has increased dramatically in 
     recent decades, from 25 years of age in 1983 to 60 years of 
     age in 2022;
       Whereas racial and ethnic minorities with Down syndrome 
     experience life expectancy and health care disparities, which 
     should be understood and addressed;
       Whereas individuals with Down syndrome have different 
     health profiles than other individuals, as individuals with 
     Down syndrome are predisposed to develop certain major 
     diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, leukemia, and 
     Alzheimer's disease, and may not experience other major 
     diseases, such as solid tumor cancers, certain heart attacks, 
     and stroke;
       Whereas individuals 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 Down syndrome;
       Whereas parents of babies and children with Down syndrome 
     should receive the education and support they need to 
     understand Down Syndrome;
       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 in the United 
     States 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 the United States, along with over 100 other 
     countries, officially observes the date March 21 as World 
     Down Syndrome Day, because Down syndrome occurs when an 
     individual is born with 3 copies of chromosome 21; and
       Whereas the inherent dignity and worth of individuals with 
     Down syndrome, the valuable contributions of individuals with 
     Down syndrome as promoters of well-being and diversity within 
     their communities, and the importance of the individual 
     freedom and independence of individuals with Down syndrome 
     should be recognized: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates March 2022 as ``World Down Syndrome Month'';
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of World Down Syndrome 
     Month;
       (3) celebrates the significant contributions that 
     individuals with Down syndrome make to their families, their 
     communities, the United States, and the world;
       (4) is committed to promoting the health, education, 
     employment, well-being, community inclusion and support, and 
     inherent dignity of all children and adults with Down 
     syndrome;
       (5) supports the advancement of scientific and medical 
     research benefitting individuals with Down syndrome through 
     the national and international endeavors of the National 
     Institutes of Health, including through the INCLUDE project, 
     focused on improving health outcomes for individuals with 
     Down Syndrome; and
       (6) encourages awareness and education regarding Down 
     syndrome, including for new and expectant parents.

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