Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2026, as "DIPG Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage research into cures for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and pediatric cancers in general.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1295
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-29T16:08:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution expresses support for designating May 17, 2026, as "DIPG Awareness Day" to highlight diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a serious childhood brain tumor, and to promote greater public understanding along with increased research efforts aimed at finding treatments for DIPG and other childhood cancers.
Key Provisions
- The resolution includes background statements noting that DIPG affects 200 to 400 children in the United States each year, that brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children, and that DIPG is the second most common malignant brain tumor in childhood as well as the leading cause of death from brain tumors in this group.
- It states that the typical survival time after diagnosis is about 9 months with treatment, with less than 1 percent of patients surviving five years, resulting in an estimated 24,000 years of life lost annually across affected children.
- The resolution notes that outcomes for DIPG have not improved in over 40 years and calls for more federal funding to address pediatric cancer research needs.
- The main actions include supporting the awareness day designation, urging the public to learn more about DIPG and research funding challenges, backing expanded research for better treatments and care, and encouraging research funders to weigh cancer death rates and years of life lost when reviewing grant applications.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This measure introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. As a House resolution, it serves as a non-binding statement of opinion rather than creating new legal requirements or altering current policies on research funding or health regulations.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens, it could raise general knowledge about DIPG and pediatric cancers, potentially leading to more community support, donations, or advocacy for research.
- For government agencies, it may indirectly influence discussions around research priorities at bodies like the National Institutes of Health by emphasizing the need for greater focus on high-mortality childhood conditions.
- No notable effects are outlined for international relations or foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Children with DIPG and their families, who stand to benefit from any resulting increases in awareness or research support.
- Medical researchers and healthcare providers focused on pediatric brain tumors.
- Federal agencies involved in health research funding.
- Members of Congress and the broader public, through calls for education and funding considerations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The resolution has no legal binding power and cannot enforce funding changes or mandate actions by agencies or individuals.
- Constitutionally, it falls within Congress's authority to issue non-legislative expressions of support on public health matters.
- Politically, it draws attention to the gap in progress for certain childhood cancers and advocates for research funding decisions to factor in survival rates and long-term life impacts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-05-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2026, as "DIPG Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage research into cures for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and pediatric cancers in general. — issued 2026-05-15 — PDF (3 pages)