[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 48 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
S.Con.Res.48
Agreed to November 19, 2003
One Hundred Eighth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the seventh day of January, two thousand and three
Concurrent Resolution
Whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures and
affects 2,300,000 people in the United States;
Whereas a seizure is a disturbance in the electrical activity of the
brain, and 1 in every 12 Americans will suffer at least 1 seizure;
Whereas 180,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy are diagnosed each
year, and 3 percent of Americans will develop epilepsy by the time
they are 75;
Whereas 41 percent of people who currently have epilepsy experience
persistent seizures despite the treatment they are receiving;
Whereas a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention demonstrated that the hardships imposed by epilepsy are
comparable to those imposed by cancer, diabetes, and arthritis;
Whereas epilepsy in older children and adults remains a formidable
barrier to leading a normal life by affecting education, employment,
marriage, childbearing, and personal fulfillment;
Whereas uncontrollable seizures in a child can create multiple problems
affecting the child's development, education, socialization, and
daily life activities;
Whereas the social stigma surrounding epilepsy continues to fuel
discrimination, and isolates people who suffer from seizure disorders
from mainstream life;
Whereas a significant number of people with epilepsy may lack access to
medical care for the treatment of the disease;
Whereas in spite of these formidable obstacles, people with epilepsy
can live healthy and productive lives and make significant
contributions to society;
Whereas November is an appropriate month to designate as ``National
Epilepsy Awareness Month''; and
Whereas the designation of a ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month''
would help to focus attention on, and increase understanding of,
epilepsy and those people who suffer from it: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),
That Congress--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of a ``National Epilepsy
Awareness Month'';
(2) requests the President to issue a proclamation declaring a
``National Epilepsy Awareness Month'';
(3) calls upon the American people to observe ``National
Epilepsy Awareness Month'' with appropriate programs and
activities; and
(4) urges support for epilepsy research programs at the
National Institutes of Health and at the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
Attest:
Secretary of the Senate.
Attest:
Clerk of the House of Representatives.