Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the House consider House Concurrent Resolution 59, legislation introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. MCKEON), my esteemed colleague. This resolution expresses the sense of Congress regarding the prevention of shaken baby syndrome. Shaken baby syndrome is a medical term used to describe the violent shaking and resulting injury sustained from shaking a young child. Often there are no external signs of injury to a baby or young child's body, but there is injury inside, particularly in the head or behind the eyes. The term was first discussed in medical literature in 1972, but knowledge about the syndrome continues to develop today.
Shaken baby syndrome can occur when children are violently shaken, either as part of a pattern of abuse, or simply because an adult or young caretaker has momentarily succumbed to the challenges of responding to a crying baby. Violent shaking is especially dangerous to infants and young children because their neck muscles are underdeveloped, and their brain tissue is exceptionally fragile. Their small size further adds to the risk of injury. Vigorous shaking repeatedly pitches the brain in different directions.
Shaken baby syndrome can have disastrous consequences for the victim, the family, and society in total. If the child survives the syndrome, medical bills can be enormous. The victim may require lifelong care for injuries such as mental retardation and cerebral palsy. The child may even require institutionalization or other types of long-term care.
Madam Speaker, this resolution expresses Congress' support to protect children from abuse and neglect. I encourage all Members to support this resolution.
