Expressing support for the designation of March as "Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month" to strengthen public awareness of this neurodegenerative disorder.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1117
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-16: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-19T15:25:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1117) expresses the support of the U.S. House of Representatives for designating March as "Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month." The goal is to increase public understanding of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurodegenerative disorder, and to encourage research toward potential treatments or a cure.
Key Provisions
- Background on MSA: The resolution outlines facts about the condition, including:
- It affects an estimated 25,000 to 75,000 people in the U.S. annually.
- Symptoms include difficulties with walking, eating, speaking, breathing, and increased risk of infections or blood clots, often leading to fatality.
- The cause is unknown, with unclear roles of genetics or environmental factors.
- It is frequently misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease or progressive supranuclear palsy (a rare brain disorder affecting movement and balance).
- There is no known cure or effective treatment.
- Awareness and Research Needs: Highlights how low awareness leads to misdiagnoses and slows research; notes progress at centers like the Multiple System Atrophy Center of Excellence at Stanford School of Medicine.
- Core Resolution: Supports the March designation to boost awareness and calls for funding research to develop therapies and treatments.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional intent rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public knowledge of MSA, leading to earlier diagnoses, better support for affected individuals and families, and reduced stigma around the disorder.
- On Government Agencies: Could indirectly encourage federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to prioritize MSA research funding, though it does not mandate any actions or appropriations.
- On International Relations: Minimal impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic awareness and U.S.-based research efforts.
- Broader Effects: Promotes scientific progress by highlighting ongoing research, potentially attracting more private and public investments without direct costs to the government.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals with MSA and Families: Primary beneficiaries through heightened awareness and potential for improved care and research.
- Healthcare Providers and Researchers: Benefits from reduced misdiagnoses and increased focus on studying the disorder, including at specialized centers.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations promoting MSA awareness (e.g., patient support networks) gain congressional endorsement to amplify their efforts.
- Congress and Policymakers: Positions lawmakers as supporters of rare disease initiatives, potentially influencing future health policy discussions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: None, as resolutions like this are not laws and carry no legal force; they cannot compel action or allocate funds.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express views on public health issues under Article I, without infringing on individual rights or state authority.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan interest in rare diseases (introduced by Rep. Mullin and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce), which could build momentum for related bills on research funding. It underscores the role of Congress in raising awareness for underrecognized health conditions, potentially influencing public opinion and advocacy without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-16: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-03-16: Submitted in House
- 2026-03-16: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of March as "Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month" to strengthen public awareness of this neurodegenerative disorder. — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (2 pages)