WHEREAS, Legislation, popularly known as the "Udall Bill," is currently under consideration by the 105th Congress; and

WHEREAS, The legislation directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a Parkinson's research program, and dedicates $100 million annually for the program; and

WHEREAS, The 1997 Udall Bill also provides for research coordination among all national research institutes conducting Parkinson's research, and requires the convening of a research planning conference every two years, with each conference being called upon to prepare and submit a report to the Congress; and

WHEREAS, The proposed legislation authorizes up to ten "Morris K. Udall Centers for Research on Parkinson's Disease," as prescribed by the Director of NIH, to conduct basic and clinical research; incorporates data system, information clearinghouse and education program provisions as options for Udall Center core projects; and, includes "Udall Awards for Innovation" supporting new, thought provoking proposals leading to significant breakthroughs in Parkinson's disease research; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations is convinced that the "Udall Bill" currently being considered by the 105th Congress is significant legislation that is clearly in the nation's best interest. This House of Representatives, therefore, memorializes Congress to support this vital piece of legislation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to each member of the Rhode Island delegation to the United States Congress.