| Sponsor | Rep. Lee, Barbara |
| Committee | Energy and Commerce |
| Date | March 4, 2009 (111th Congress, 1st Session) |
| Staff Contact | Andy Koenig |
H.Con.Res. 14 is being considered on the floor under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage. This legislation was introduced by Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) on January 8, 2009, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, which took no official action.
H.Res. 14 would resolve that Congress:
- "Supports the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week;
- "Encourages the President to issue a proclamation in support of the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week;
- "Encourages States, territories, possessions of the United States, and localities to support the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week by issuing proclamations designating Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week;
- "Encourages media organizations to participate in Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and help educate the public about multiple sclerosis;
- "Commends the efforts of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States who support the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week;
- "Recognizes and reaffirms our Nation's commitment to combating multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about its causes and risks and by promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment; and
- "Recognizes all people in the United States living with multiple sclerosis, expresses gratitude to their family members and friends who are a source of love and encouragement to them, and salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who provide assistance to those so afflicted and continue to work to find cures and improve treatment."
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week will be recognized during the week of March 2nd through 8th, 2009. The goals of MS Awareness Week are to invite people to join the effort to end MS, encourage every American to do something to show their commitment toward ending MS, and to acknowledge those who are dedicated to ending the disease. According to findings listed in the resolution, 400,000 Americans and 2.5 million people world wide have been diagnosed with MS. MS is not genetic, contagious, or directly inherited and there is no known cure for the disease.