119-sres397

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 397 Introduced in Senate

    (IS) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
S. RES. 397

 Expressing support for the designation of September as ``Dystonia 
 Awareness Month'' to promote public awareness and understanding of 
 dystonia.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 September 17 (legislative day, September 16), 2025

 Mr. Banks (for himself and Mr. Merkley) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, 
 Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

 Expressing support for the designation of September as ``Dystonia 
 Awareness Month'' to promote public awareness and understanding of 
 dystonia.

Whereas dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes excessive, 
 involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in abnormal muscle movements 
 and body postures;
Whereas dystonia affects an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 individuals in the 
 United States, though the true number may be higher due to 
 underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis;
Whereas dystonia can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and 
 may appear as a standalone condition or as a symptom of other 
 neurological disorders;
Whereas there are multiple forms of dystonia, including focal, segmental, and 
 generalized dystonias, that may impact a person's ability to walk, 
 speak, see, or perform daily tasks;
Whereas dystonia can cause significant physical disability, social isolation, 
 emotional distress, and financial hardship for individuals and families;
Whereas, although there is no cure for dystonia, treatments such as botulinum 
 toxin injections, oral medications, deep brain stimulation, and 
 supportive therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of 
 life;
Whereas greater awareness and understanding of dystonia will lead to earlier 
 diagnosis, expanded research, improved treatments, and better support 
 for individuals and families living with this condition;
Whereas medical researchers and clinicians are working diligently to increase 
 awareness and advance knowledge of dystonia through outreach, education, 
 and scientific study;
Whereas servicemembers and veterans may experience dystonia as a result of 
 traumatic brain injury, exposure to certain medications, or other 
 service-related conditions, underscoring the importance of research, 
 treatment access, and care within the health systems of the Department 
 of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs; and
Whereas the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense 
 has awarded competitive research grants supporting studies on dystonia, 
 reflecting the recognition of its impact on the health of 
 servicemembers, veterans, and the general population: Now, therefore, be 
 it
 Resolved, That the Senate--

    (1) expresses support for the designation of September as 
 ``Dystonia Awareness Month'';

    (2) recognizes the need for further research to discover 
 new treatments and a cure for dystonia;

    (3) commends the efforts of medical professionals and 
 researchers who work to improve the lives of individuals with 
 dystonia; and

    (4) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
 Dystonia Awareness Month with appropriate programs and 
 activities to raise public awareness and understanding of 
 dystonia.
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