Supporting the goals and ideals of "Long COVID Awareness Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 1136

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-25: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-04-01T14:25:02Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 1136) aims to recognize and support "Long COVID Awareness Month" in March, highlighting the ongoing challenges of long COVID—a condition causing prolonged symptoms like fatigue and organ dysfunction after a COVID-19 infection. It seeks to raise awareness and encourage further medical research without creating new laws or mandates.

Key Provisions

• Background Facts (Whereas Clauses):
• Defines long COVID as a serious illness affecting multiple organs, lasting months or years post-infection.
• Notes global impact on over 400 million people, with high incidence even in vaccinated individuals and newer virus variants.
• Emphasizes increased risk with each infection, symptoms like extreme fatigue and work limitations, and economic costs estimated at $3.7 trillion over five years in the U.S. due to healthcare expenses and lost productivity.
• Highlights disproportionate effects on women, Hispanic/Latine, Black, transgender, and disabled individuals.
• States there is no specific treatment available.
• Resolved Actions:
• Supports the goals and ideals of Long COVID Awareness Month.
• Recognizes the need to raise awareness about living with long COVID.
• Expresses support for increased medical research into causes and treatments.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding House resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws, regulations, or policies. It serves as an expression of the House of Representatives' views rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: May increase public awareness, reduce stigma for those affected (especially vulnerable groups), and validate their experiences, potentially improving access to support services or accommodations.
• On Government Agencies: Could indirectly influence agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by signaling congressional interest in funding research, though it does not allocate resources.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but global statistics mentioned may encourage international collaboration on research and awareness efforts.
• Economic and Social: Highlights potential for reduced productivity and higher costs, possibly prompting broader discussions on healthcare and workplace policies.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Individuals with Long COVID: Primary beneficiaries through increased visibility and research advocacy.
• Disproportionately Impacted Groups: Women, Hispanic/Latine, Black, transgender, and disabled people, who face higher burdens.
• Healthcare Providers and Researchers: Encouraged to prioritize studies on causes and treatments.
• Employers and Economy: Affected by work limitations and projected financial losses.
• General Public: Gains awareness to support prevention and empathy for those affected.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: None, as resolutions like this do not carry the force of law and cannot be enforced in courts.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing collective views on public health issues under Article I, without infringing on executive or judicial powers.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan or cross-aisle attention to post-pandemic health challenges, potentially influencing future funding bills or policy debates on infectious diseases and equity in healthcare. It was introduced on March 25, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-25: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-03-25: Submitted in House
• 2026-03-25: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Supporting the goals and ideals of "Long COVID Awareness Month". — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (2 pages)