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For Immediate Release
March 4, 2009
PRINTABLE VERSION
Tim Schlittner (Hare)
202-225-5905
tim.schlittner@mail.house.gov
Rory Sheehan (Delahunt)
202-225-3111
rory.sheehan@mail.house.gov
Adam Buckalew (Harper)
202-225-5031
adam.buckalew@mail.house.gov
Hare, Delahunt Reestablish Fragile X Caucus;
Harper Joins as Co-Chair
WASHINGTON, DC-Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL), Congressman Bill Delahunt (D-MA), and Congressman Gregg Harper (R-MS) today announced that they have formed the Fragile X Caucus as advocates from across the United States are on Capitol Hill lobbying their Members of Congress to improve the lives of people afflicted with this syndrome.
Fragile X is the most common inherited cause of mental impairment and the most common known genetic cause of autism. Most people displaying the characteristics of Fragile X are not tested due to a lack of awareness about the syndrome in the general population as well as the medical community. This caucus will focus on raising awareness about Fragile X and advocating for additional federal funding for research and development.
“When my constituent Holly Roos first visited my office to tell me about her son and daughter’s battle with Fragile X, I had never heard of it,” Hare said. “Therein lies the problem. My number one goal in forming this caucus is to raise awareness about Fragile X so more people will get tested and eventually we can find a cure.”
“I first came to Fragile X over 13 years ago, as a freshman Member of Congress and I had the privilege of working with Congressman Wes Watkins (OK), who, like me, knew people with children afflicted with Fragile X and saw that the issue had not penetrated the consciousness of too many Americans,” said Delahunt. “Since then, we have seen great progress in increasing Fragile X research and awareness, and I am heartened by the new momentum and passion Representatives Harper and Hare bring to this issue.”
“I am honored to join Congressmen Hare and Delahunt as a co-chair of the Fragile X Caucus and greatly appreciate their support on this issue,” said Harper “As the only member of Congress who has a child with Fragile X, I understand the challenges that face thousands of families who experience this condition. My wife, Sidney and I are committed to making sure there is increased awareness and funding to help those families who are blessed with a child with Fragile X.”
