[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Pages 13052-13054]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration en bloc of the following 
resolutions which were submitted earlier today: S. Res. 536, S. Res. 
537, S. Res. 538, S. Res. 539, and S. Res. 540.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The 
Senate will proceed to consider the resolutions en bloc.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the resolutions be 
agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be 
laid upon the table en bloc with no intervening action or debate, and 
any statements related to these matters be printed in the Record as if 
read.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolutions were agreed to.
  The preambles were agreed to.
  The resolutions, with their preambles, read as follows:

                              S. Res. 536

 (Designating September 9, 2012, as ``National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum 
                       Disorders Awareness Day'')

       Whereas the term ``fetal alcohol spectrum disorders'' 
     includes a broader range of conditions than the term ``fetal 
     alcohol syndrome'' and has replaced the term ``fetal alcohol 
     syndrome'' as the umbrella term describing the range of 
     effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed 
     alcohol during her pregnancy;
       Whereas fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are the leading 
     cause of cognitive disability in Western civilization, 
     including the United States, and are 100 percent preventable;
       Whereas fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a major cause 
     of numerous social disorders, including learning 
     disabilities, school failure, juvenile delinquency, 
     homelessness, unemployment, mental illness, and crime;
       Whereas the incidence rate of fetal alcohol syndrome is 
     estimated at 1 out of every 500 live births and the incidence 
     rate of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders is estimated at 1 
     out of every 100 live births;
       Whereas, in February 1999, a small group of parents with 
     children who suffer from fetal alcohol spectrum disorders 
     united to promote awareness of the devastating consequences 
     of alcohol consumption during pregnancy by establishing 
     International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day;
       Whereas September 9, 1999, became the first International 
     Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day;
       Whereas Bonnie Buxton of Toronto, Canada, the co-founder of 
     the first International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day, 
     asked ``What if . . . a world full of FAS/E [Fetal Alcohol 
     Syndrome/Effect] parents all got together on the ninth hour 
     of the ninth day of the ninth month of the year and asked the 
     world to remember that, during the 9 months of pregnancy, a 
     woman should not consume alcohol . . . would the rest of the 
     world listen?''; and
       Whereas, on the ninth day of the ninth month of each year 
     since 1999, communities around the world have observed 
     International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 9, 2012, as ``National Fetal 
     Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day''; and
       (2) calls on the people of the United States to observe 
     National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day 
     with--
       (A) appropriate ceremonies--
       (i) to promote awareness of the effects of prenatal 
     exposure to alcohol;
       (ii) to increase compassion for individuals affected by 
     prenatal exposure to alcohol;
       (iii) to minimize the effects of prenatal exposure to 
     alcohol; and
       (iv) to ensure healthier communities across the United 
     States; and
       (B) a moment of reflection during the ninth hour of 
     September 9, 2012, to remember that a woman should not 
     consume alcohol during the 9 months of her pregnancy.

                              S. Res. 537

 (Supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness 
                                 Month)

       Whereas ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic 
     cancers;
       Whereas ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer 
     deaths among women in the United States;
       Whereas approximately 22,000 women will be diagnosed with 
     ovarian cancer this year, and 15,500 will die from the 
     disease;
       Whereas these deaths are those of our mothers, sisters, 
     daughters, family members, and community leaders;
       Whereas the mortality rate for ovarian cancer has not 
     significantly decreased since the ``War on Cancer'' was 
     declared, more than 40 years ago;
       Whereas all women are at risk for ovarian cancer, and 90 
     percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not have a 
     family history that puts them at higher risk;
       Whereas some women, such as those with a family history of 
     breast or ovarian cancer, are at higher risk for developing 
     the disease;
       Whereas the Pap test is sensitive and specific to the early 
     detection of cervical cancer, but not to ovarian cancer;
       Whereas, as of the date of agreement to this resolution, 
     there is no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer;
       Whereas many people are unaware that the symptoms of 
     ovarian cancer often include bloating, pelvic or abdominal 
     pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, urinary 
     symptoms, and several other symptoms that are easily confused 
     with other diseases;
       Whereas, in June 2007, the first national consensus 
     statement on ovarian cancer symptoms was developed to provide 
     consistency in describing symptoms to make it easier for 
     women to learn and remember the symptoms;
       Whereas there are known methods to reduce the risk of 
     ovarian cancer, including prophylactic surgery, oral 
     contraceptives, and breast-feeding;
       Whereas, due to the lack of a reliable early detection 
     test, 75 percent of cases of ovarian cancer are detected at 
     an advanced stage, making the overall 5-year survival rate 
     only 45 percent;
       Whereas there are factors that are known to reduce the risk 
     for ovarian cancer and that play an important role in the 
     prevention of the disease;
       Whereas awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer by 
     women and health care providers can lead to a quicker 
     diagnosis;
       Whereas, each year during the month of September, the 
     Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and its partner members hold 
     a number of events to increase public awareness of ovarian 
     cancer; and
       Whereas September 2012 should be designated as ``National 
     Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month'' to increase the awareness of 
     the public regarding the cancer:
       Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate supports the goals and ideals of 
     National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

[[Page 13053]]



                              S. Res. 538

  (Designating September 2012 as ``National Prostate Cancer Awareness 
                                Month'')

       Whereas countless families in the United States live with 
     prostate cancer;
       Whereas 1 in 6 males in the United States will be diagnosed 
     with prostate cancer during his lifetime;
       Whereas prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-
     skin cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-
     related deaths among males in the United States;
       Whereas, in 2012, the American Cancer Society estimates 
     that 241,740 males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, 
     and 28,170 males will die from the disease;
       Whereas 30 percent of newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases 
     occur in males under the age of 65;
       Whereas, approximately every 14 seconds, a male in the 
     United States turns 50 years old and increases his odds of 
     developing cancer, including prostate cancer;
       Whereas African-American males suffer from a prostate 
     cancer death rate that is more than twice the death rate of 
     White males from prostate cancer;
       Whereas obesity is a significant predictor of the severity 
     of prostate cancer;
       Whereas the probability that obesity will lead to death and 
     high cholesterol levels is strongly associated with advanced 
     prostate cancer;
       Whereas males in the United States with 1 family member 
     diagnosed with prostate cancer have a 33 percent chance of 
     being diagnosed with the disease, males with 2 family members 
     diagnosed have an 83 percent chance, and males with 3 family 
     members diagnosed have a 97 percent chance;
       Whereas screening by a digital rectal examination and a 
     prostate-specific antigen blood test can detect the disease 
     at the early stages, increasing the chances of survival for 
     more than 5 years to nearly 100 percent;
       Whereas only 27.8 percent of males survive more than 5 
     years if diagnosed with prostate cancer after the cancer has 
     metastasized;
       Whereas there are no noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer 
     while the cancer is in the early stages, making screening 
     critical;
       Whereas ongoing research promises further improvements in 
     prostate cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment; 
     and
       Whereas educating people in the United States, including 
     health care providers, about prostate cancer and early 
     detection strategies is crucial to saving the lives of males 
     and preserving and protecting families: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 2012 as ``National Prostate Cancer 
     Awareness Month'';
       (2) declares that steps should be taken--
       (A) to raise awareness about the importance of screening 
     methods for, and treatment of, prostate cancer;
       (B) to increase research funding in an amount commensurate 
     with the burden of prostate cancer so that--
       (i) screening and treatment for prostate cancer may be 
     improved;
       (ii) the causes of prostate cancer may be discovered; and
       (iii) a cure for prostate cancer may be developed; and
       (C) to continue to consider ways for improving access to, 
     and the quality of, health care services for detecting and 
     treating prostate cancer; and
       (3) calls on the people of the United States, interested 
     groups, and affected persons--
       (A) to promote awareness of prostate cancer;
       (B) to take an active role in the fight to end the 
     devastating effects of prostate cancer on individuals, 
     families, and the economy; and
       (C) to observe National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 
     with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

                              S. Res. 539

       (Designating October 13, 2012, as ``National Chess Day'')

       Whereas there are more than 80,000 members of the United 
     States Chess Federation (referred to in this preamble as the 
     ``Federation''), and an unknown number of additional people 
     in the United States who play chess without joining an 
     official organization;
       Whereas approximately \1/2\ of the members of the 
     Federation are members of scholastic chess programs, and many 
     of those members join the Federation by the age of 10;
       Whereas the Federation is very supportive of scholastic 
     chess programs and sponsors a Certified Chess Coach program 
     that provides the coaches involved in the scholastic chess 
     programs with training and ensures schools and students can 
     have confidence in the programs;
       Whereas many studies have linked scholastic chess programs 
     to the improvement of students' scores in reading and math, 
     as well as improved self-esteem;
       Whereas the Federation offers guidance to educators to help 
     incorporate chess into the school curriculum;
       Whereas chess is a powerful cognitive learning tool that 
     can be used to successfully enhance students' reading skills 
     and understanding of math concepts; and
       Whereas chess engages students of all learning styles and 
     strengths and promotes problem-solving and higher-level 
     thinking skills: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates October 13, 2012, as ``National Chess Day'' 
     to enhance awareness and encourage students and adults to 
     play chess, a game known to enhance critical-thinking and 
     problem-solving skills; and
       (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     National Chess Day with appropriate programs and activities.


                     NATIONAL CHESS DAY RESOLUTION

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I rise in support of a bipartisan 
resolution to designate National Chess Day as October 13, 2012. I 
greatly appreciate the support of my colleagues, Senator Lamar 
Alexander of Tennessee and Senator Carl Levin of Michigan.
  National Chess Day is designed to enhance awareness and encourage 
students and adults to engage in a game known to enhance critical 
thinking and problem-solving skills.
  There are over 80,000 members of the Chess Federation with many of 
these members joining before the age of 10. Studies indicate that chess 
programs aid in improving students' scores in math and reading and 
interest students of all learning styles and strengths. Engaging 
students in such activities can make learning fun and help them develop 
a lifelong pastime to exercise their skills.
  Engaging students in chess is a wonderful opportunity to promote 
education, and I hope as school begins in a few weeks, more students 
will join the Chess Federation and learn to love this historical game.

                              S. Res. 540

     (Designating the week of August 6 through August 10, 2012, as 
               ``National Convenient Care Clinic Week'')

       Whereas convenient care clinics are health care facilities 
     located in high-traffic retail outlets that provide 
     affordable and accessible care to patients who have little 
     time to schedule an appointment with a traditional primary 
     care provider or are otherwise unable to schedule such an 
     appointment;
       Whereas millions of people in the United States do not have 
     a primary care provider, and there is a worsening primary 
     care provider shortage that will prevent many people from 
     obtaining one in the future;
       Whereas convenient care clinics have provided an accessible 
     alternative for more than 15,000,000 people in the United 
     States since the first clinic opened in 2000, the number of 
     convenient care clinics continues to increase rapidly, and as 
     of June 2012, there are approximately 1,350 convenient care 
     clinics in 35 States;
       Whereas convenient care clinics follow rigid industry-wide 
     quality of care and safety standards;
       Whereas convenient care clinics are staffed by highly 
     qualified health care providers, including advanced practice 
     nurses, physician assistants, and physicians;
       Whereas convenient care clinicians all have advanced 
     education in providing quality health care for common 
     episodic ailments including cold and flu, skin irritation, 
     and muscle strains and sprains, and can also provide 
     immunizations, physicals, and preventive health screening;
       Whereas convenient care clinics are proven to be a cost-
     effective alternative to similar treatment obtained in 
     physicians' offices, urgent care clinics, or emergency 
     departments; and
       Whereas convenient care clinics complement traditional 
     medical service providers by providing extended weekday and 
     weekend hours without the need for an appointment, short wait 
     times, and visits that generally last only 15 to 20 minutes: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week of August 6 through August 10, 
     2012, as ``National Convenient Care Clinic Week'';
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Convenient 
     Care Clinic Week to raise awareness of the need for 
     accessible and cost-effective health care options to 
     complement the traditional health care model;
       (3) recognizes that many people in the United States face 
     difficulties accessing traditional models of health care 
     delivery;
       (4) supports the use of convenient care clinics as an 
     adjunct to the traditional model of health care delivery; and
       (5) calls on the States to support the establishment of 
     convenient care clinics so that more people in the United 
     States will have access to the cost-effective and necessary 
     emergent and preventive services provided in the clinics.

  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize all of the 
providers who work in retail-based Convenient Care Clinics in a 
Resolution to designate August 6 through August 10, 2012 as National 
Convenient Care Clinic Week. National Convenient Care Clinic Week will 
provide a platform from which to promote the pivotal services

[[Page 13054]]

offered by the more than 1,350 retail-based convenient care clinics in 
the United States.
  Today, thousands of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and 
physicians provide care in convenient care clinics. At a time when 
Americans are more and more challenged by the inaccessibility and high 
costs of health care, convenient care clinics offer a primary care 
alternative.
  A Senate Resolution will help pave the way for this effort. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in supporting this tribute to Convenient Care 
Clinics.
  I request unanimous consent that the full text of my resolution be 
printed in the Congressional Record.

                          ____________________