Expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2026 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1167
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-08T18:12:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1167) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating April 2026 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month". It highlights the impact of Parkinson's disease and calls for greater awareness, research, and support.
Key Provisions
- Background facts ("Whereas" clauses):
- Parkinson's affects over 1 million people in the U.S., with ~90,000 new diagnoses yearly; it's the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide and the 13th leading cause of death.
- Caused by genetic and environmental factors (exact cause often unknown); projected to affect 1.7 million by 2045, costing $112.4 billion.
- Symptoms include tremors, slow movement, balance issues, speech/swallowing problems, dementia, depression, and more.
- Impacts millions of caregivers, with $8.3 billion in lost earnings/productivity in 2024.
- Need for more research, education, and support to improve treatments, find a cure, and uphold dignity for patients.
- House actions ("Resolved" clause):
- Supports the designation of Parkinson's Awareness Month.
- Endorses its goals and ideals.
- Backs ongoing research for better treatments and a cure.
- Recognizes patients in clinical trials.
- Commends organizations, volunteers, researchers, and individuals improving lives of those with Parkinson's and their families.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution (symbolic statement), not a law that amends statutes or creates enforceable requirements.
Potential Impacts
- Citizens: Raises public awareness of Parkinson's, potentially encouraging donations, participation in trials, and support for patients/caregivers.
- Government agencies: No direct mandates, but signals congressional priority for related research (e.g., via NIH or CDC funding).
- International relations: Minimal; focuses on U.S. domestic issues.
- Overall: Symbolic boost for advocacy, with no fiscal or regulatory effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- People with Parkinson's and their families/caregivers (over 1 million patients + millions impacted).
- Researchers, clinicians, and clinical trial participants.
- Advocacy organizations (e.g., those fighting for research funding).
- Volunteers and community supporters.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; resolutions like this are routine, protected under free speech and congressional powers (Article I), with no judicial review.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Reps. Bell and Bilirakis); referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Demonstrates unified support for health awareness without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-04-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2026 as "Parkinson’s Awareness Month". — issued 2026-04-14 — PDF (3 pages)