SR1397 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1397 LRB100 16643 MST 34383 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, According to new research from the United Nations, growing antimicrobial resistance linked to the discharge of drugs and some chemicals into the environment is one of the most worrying health threats today; and

WHEREAS, Studies have linked the misuse of antibiotics in humans and agriculture over the last several decades to increasing resistance, but the role of the environment and pollution has received little attention; and

WHEREAS, Clear evidence shows that antimicrobial compounds from households, hospitals, pharmaceutical facilities, and agricultural run-off released into the environment, combined with direct contact between natural bacterial communities and discharged resistant bacteria, is driving bacterial evolution and the emergence of more resistant strains; and

WHEREAS, Evidence shows that multi-drug resistant bacteria are prevalent in marine waters and sediments close to aquaculture, industrial, and municipal discharges; and

WHEREAS, Careless disposal of antibiotics could produce "ferocious superbugs" United Nations environment experts warn that have resistance to current antibiotics; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the U.S. Congress to review existing federal laws for the disposal of unused antibiotics and to pass new laws to prevent the creation of "superbugs" and to fund research into the treatment of, and creation of, new drugs to fight antibiotic resistant "superbugs"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to President Donald Trump, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.