Expressing support for the designation of February 2026 as "American Heart Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1043
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-09: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-10T09:18:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1043) expresses the support of the U.S. House of Representatives for designating February 2026 as "American Heart Month." It aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart disease and stroke, as a major public health issue affecting people of all ages, races, and genders in the United States.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes detailed background facts (preamble clauses) highlighting the severity of CVD, followed by supportive actions:
- Statistics on CVD Impact: Notes that CVD is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing over 940,000 people in 2022—more than all cancers and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. It caused a 4.8% increase in deaths from 2019 to 2020, with slower progress in reducing rates among communities of color. Economic costs include $417.9 billion in health care and lost productivity from 2020–2021, projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2035.
- Specific Risks and Vulnerabilities: Every 40 seconds, an American has a heart attack; stroke causes 1 in 20 deaths; sudden cardiac arrest led to over 19,000 deaths in 2022; CVD accounts for over a quarter of pregnancy-related maternal deaths (2017–2019); and congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects and the top killer of infants with birth defects.
- Risk Factors: Identifies preventable contributors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor diet, nicotine exposure, physical inactivity, poor sleep, obesity, and diabetes.
- Preventive Measures: Emphasizes that lifestyle changes and medical treatment can reduce risks, and early detection saves lives.
- Historical and Ongoing Efforts: References the President's annual proclamation under U.S. law (36 U.S.C. § 101(1)) designating February as American Heart Month since 1964; highlights National Wear Red Day in February to focus on CVD in women; and notes involvement of organizations like the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association.
- Resolved Actions:
- Supports the designation of American Heart Month and its goals.
- Reaffirms U.S. commitment to fighting CVD through awareness of causes, risks, and prevention; research support; and improving access to affordable, quality care to lower disability and death rates.
- Commends states, localities, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals for their efforts.
- Encourages all Americans to learn about their personal CVD risks.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It builds on long-standing tradition by requesting continued presidential proclamations for American Heart Month, without altering statutes or policies.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Promotes public education on CVD prevention, potentially leading to healthier lifestyles, earlier detections, and reduced deaths, especially in vulnerable groups like communities of color, women, pregnant individuals, and infants.
- On Government Agencies: Encourages symbolic recognition by the President and may indirectly support agencies like the National Institutes of Health in awareness campaigns, but imposes no new funding or mandates.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic public health.
Overall, the resolution fosters greater societal focus on heart health without enforceable requirements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals and Communities: All Americans, particularly those at higher risk (e.g., communities of color, women, pregnant people, infants with birth defects, and those with risk factors like obesity or diabetes).
- Healthcare and Nonprofit Organizations: Groups like the American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, which lead awareness efforts such as National Wear Red Day.
- Government Entities: The House of Representatives (introducing the resolution), the President (for proclamations), and state/local governments supporting related initiatives.
- Businesses and Broader Society: Entities involved in health promotion, research, and productivity loss mitigation due to CVD.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature; it serves only as an expression of congressional sentiment.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in informing public policy and health awareness under its general welfare powers (U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8), without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by Rep. Beatty and Rep. Smith) for public health priorities, potentially influencing future funding or legislation on CVD research and care. It highlights health disparities, signaling a push for equitable progress without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-09: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-02-09: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-09: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of February 2026 as "American Heart Month". — issued 2026-02-09 — PDF (4 pages)