A resolution supporting the goals, activities, and ideals of National Prematurity Awareness Month.

Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the increasing number of babies born too early. The March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month to draw attention to the growing, costly and serious public health problem of preterm birth. My colleague, Senator Dodd, and I have introduced a resolution supporting this effort and look forward to swift approval in the Senate.

Nationwide, over 480,0000 babies were born prematurely in 2002. In my own State of Tennessee, one of every seven babies born in 2002 was born preterm, and the rate of preterm births in Tennessee has risen more than 9 percent since 1992.

Earlier this year, the Subcommittee on Children and Families, which I chair, held a hearing to learn about the devastating effects of preterm birth and what our government agencies and private organizations are doing to combat this crisis. We heard the inspirational story of Kelley Bolton Jordan and her daughter, Whitney, from Memphis, Tennessee. Whitney was born 3\1/2\ months early and weighed just 1 lb. 10 oz. Imagine a leg so small it could fit through a wedding ring.

Whitney spent 3 grueling months in intensive care. She is now a healthy, happy 3 year-old and has no repercussions from her early birth--other babies are not as lucky. Preterm birth takes a severe toll on America's families and strains our health care system. Each year, 100,000 children develop health problems because of their early births, including cerebral palsy and vision and hearing loss. And preterm birth is the leading cause of death in the first month of life.

With over half the causes of preterm birth unknown, more research is desperately needed. That's why I plan to re-introduce ``the PREEMIE Act'' and hope that the Senate can pass this legislation in the 109th Congress.

I commend the March of Dimes for its dedication in working toward a day when babies and their families no longer have to face the devastating consequences of premature birth. If we work together to focus public and private resources on this problem, we can decrease the number of premature births in every state.

Mr. President, I draw attention to the growing problem of premature birth. As a sponsor of the PREEMIE Act, with my colleague Senator Alexander, I have heard the stories about the strain a premature birth places on families, as well as the lifelong health problems many preterm children face.

Nationwide, 1 out of every 8 babies is born too early. In my own State of Connecticut, 1 of every 10 babies born in 2002 was preterm and the rate of preterm births in Connecticut has risen more than 11% since 1992.

Senator Alexander and I are introducing a resolution to raise awareness of this public health crisis. As part of their 5-year campaign designed to use the combined power of awareness, education, and research to significantly decrease the number of premature births in the United States, the March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month. I am pleased to be supporting this campaign.

I urge my colleagues to find out about the toll of premature births in their states and to work together to solve this problem. I hope we can move the PREEMIE Act quickly in the 109th Congress in order to expand the Government's efforts to reduce the rates of preterm birth.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 476, introduced earlier today by Senator Alexander.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table and any statements relating to this matter be printed in the Record.