Expressing support for the designation of March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month.

I thank the gentleman.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1264, a resolution supporting the designation of March as Essential Tremor Awareness Month.

As you may know, essential tremor, also known as ET, is a progressive neurological condition that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs, or trunk. It is often confused with Parkinson's disease and dystonia. ET is estimated to affect up to 10 million Americans, including up to 5 percent of people aged 40 to 60, and up to 9 percent of people aged 60 and older.

ET can interfere with a person's ability to perform activities of daily living such as grooming and writing, and in approximately 5 percent of cases is totally disabling. Additionally, research has shown that people with ET have a higher incidence of depression than the general population and that a significant number of these people isolate themselves in their homes.

Because of stereotypes and a lack of awareness, many people with ET never seek medical care, though most would benefit from treatment. While no medications have been developed for people with ET, specifically, the medications currently being used for other conditions may help up to 60 percent of people with ET.

While this number is encouraging, clearly more research is needed to develop treatments from chairman all people with ET can benefit. Organizations such as the International Essential Tremor Foundation headquartered in my district in Lenexa, Kansas, are leading the way to promote research in an effort to determine the causes, treatment and ultimately the cure for ET, as well as provide information, services and support to individuals and families affected by ET.

To bolster these efforts and to create more awareness about tremors as well as the need for greater ET research, please join me in supporting our resolution supporting the designation of March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1264) expressing support for the designation of March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members

may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 5 minutes to the chief sponsor of the legislation, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore).

Madam Speaker, I too, like my colleague from Illinois, want to thank my friend and neighbor from Kansas (Mr. Moore) for introducing this important piece of legislation, but more than that, for his level of service here in this institution and someone that I can truly look to and call a friend.

It has been a wonderful 10 years for us, and thank you for your service to your State and your country, Mr. Moore.

And with that, Madam Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure which supports the designation of March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today to support House Resolution 1264, which expresses support for the designation of March as National Tremor Association Awareness Month. ET is certainly the most common movement disorder, afflicting nearly 10 million Americans. And, of course, for those who have this disease, everyday life can present some frustrating challenges.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness and stereotypes, many suffering from essential tremor do not seek medical care. Unfortunately, there are no medications that have been developed for people with these tremors; so I thank the gentleman from Kansas for bringing this important issue before us today to raise awareness about

Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast the recorded votes for rollcall 608, 609, and 610. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' for these measures:

Rollcall No. 608--H.R. 6400--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass.

Rollcall No. 609--H. Res. 1642--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass.

Rollcall No. 610--H. Res. 1264--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass.