Thomas Daschle: “I am pleased to report that, after years of waiting, families facing the tragedy of alcohol-related birth defects can…”

“I am pleased to report that, after years of waiting, families facing the tragedy of alcohol-related birth defects can finally expect a coordinated federal response to their needs. The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect Prevention and Services Act, which has been included as part of S. 1754, the Health Professions Education Partnerships Act, will establish a national task force to address FAS and FAE, and a competitive grant program to fund prevention and intervention for affected children and their families. The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect Prevention and Services Act was introduced as S. 1875 earlier this year and, with today's Senate passage, will be cleared for the President's signature. It is a modest measure, but its implications--in terms of children saved, families saved, and dollars saved--are dramatic. Alcohol-related birth defects, commonly known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE), wreak havoc on the lives of affected children and their families. The neurological damage done by fetal exposure to alcohol is irreversible and extensive, undercutting normal intellectual capacity and emotional development.”