Recognizing stroke as a national health crisis requiring immediate, coordinated Federal action, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1287
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-29T16:07:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This resolution recognizes stroke as a major national health issue in the United States that demands swift and coordinated action by the federal government. It draws attention to severe types of strokes, the limited use of an effective clot-removal procedure, and gaps in emergency response systems, while promoting awareness and better access to care.
Key Provisions Outlined
- States that stroke ranks as the fifth leading cause of death and a primary cause of disability nationwide, with severe cases making up 15 to 30 percent of all strokes.
- Notes that a proven clot-removal procedure significantly cuts death and disability rates for eligible patients yet reaches only 3 to 7 percent of those who could benefit.
- Highlights delays in care due to insufficient training for emergency responders, lack of standard routing rules, and low public awareness of symptoms.
- Urges the creation of a standard training program for emergency medical services on recognizing severe strokes.
- Calls on states and local systems to direct ambulances straight to capable treatment centers when travel time allows, rather than to the nearest hospital.
- Encourages more federal and state spending on public education to promote quick calls to 9-1-1.
- Supports public disclosure of hospital stroke care capabilities and results to guide routing choices.
- Affirms the goal of equal access to advanced stroke treatment for all Americans, no matter their location.
- Endorses the goals of World Stroke Thrombectomy Day on May 15.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This resolution introduces no changes to existing laws. As a non-binding House statement, it expresses views and recommendations without amending statutes or creating enforceable rules.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: It may prompt increased federal support for emergency medical training, public awareness efforts, and data transparency in health systems.
- On citizens: Improved emergency routing and education could reduce treatment delays, leading to better recovery rates for stroke patients.
- On international relations: By backing World Stroke Thrombectomy Day, it aligns with global efforts to raise awareness about stroke interventions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Stroke patients and their families, who stand to gain from faster and more effective care.
- Emergency medical services providers and medical directors, through calls for better training and protocols.
- Hospitals and specialized stroke centers, via expectations for transparency and direct patient transport.
- State and regional governments, responsible for adopting new routing and education standards.
- Federal health agencies, encouraged to invest in coordinated responses.
- Advocacy groups focused on stroke care and vascular neurology.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legally, the resolution creates no new obligations or penalties, functioning only as a policy declaration.
- Constitutionally, it fits within Congress's role in addressing public health matters through non-legislative actions.
- Politically, it underscores the push for nationwide improvements in emergency health responses and could shape future funding or legislative priorities without mandating specific actions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-05-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing stroke as a national health crisis requiring immediate, coordinated Federal action, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (4 pages)