Raising awareness of the racial disparities in the impact of colorectal cancer on the Hispanic community.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 276
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-04-01T18:18:11Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
H. Res. 276 is a non-binding House resolution aimed at raising awareness about the disproportionate impact of colorectal cancer on the Hispanic community, highlighting racial disparities in screening, incidence, and mortality rates. It emphasizes the importance of education, early screening, and research to address these issues, particularly during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March.
Key Provisions Outlined
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing background facts and a "Resolved" section with seven specific actions for the House of Representatives:
- Recognition of impact: Acknowledges the deadly effects of colorectal cancer on Americans overall.
- Support for awareness month: Expresses backing for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to educate on risks, symptoms, and prevention.
- Acknowledgment of disparities: Recognizes the specific challenges faced by the Hispanic community, including lower screening rates (49% vs. 58% for non-Hispanic Whites) and higher mortality rankings (second-leading cause in Hispanic men, third in women).
- Encouragement for CDC actions: Urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand efforts in identifying causes of racial screening disparities and developing strategies to eliminate them.
- Public health encouragement: Promotes individuals learning about their colorectal cancer risks and discussing screening options (recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk adults) with healthcare providers.
- Research promotion: Encourages the CDC to study environmental factors contributing to colorectal cancer and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research causes of elevated risks in young adults (ages 20-49), where it is projected to become the leading cause of death by 2030.
- Honoring affected individuals: Pays tribute to patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates dealing with colorectal cancer.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This resolution introduces no changes to existing laws, as it is a simple House resolution (non-binding and not requiring Senate approval or presidential signature). It serves as an expression of congressional intent rather than enacting new statutes or amending prior legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May prompt the CDC and NIH to prioritize or expand research and outreach on colorectal cancer disparities, potentially leading to increased funding requests or program enhancements, though not mandated.
- On citizens: Raises public awareness, particularly among Hispanics and young adults, encouraging higher screening rates and earlier detection, which could reduce cancer incidence and deaths through education and preventive measures like polyp removal.
- On international relations: No direct impacts, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. health issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Hispanic community: Primary focus, as the resolution addresses their lower screening rates and higher mortality risks from colorectal cancer.
- General public, especially young adults (ages 20-49): Beneficiaries of broader awareness and research into rising risks.
- Healthcare providers and patients: Encouraged to promote and engage in screening discussions.
- Government agencies: CDC and NIH, tasked with research and disparity reduction efforts.
- Survivors, caregivers, and advocates: Honored for their roles in combating the disease.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: None substantive, as resolutions like this have no enforceable legal effect; they are symbolic and cannot create rights, obligations, or penalties.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to express views on public health matters, without infringing on executive branch functions.
- Political: Highlights health equity issues, potentially influencing future bipartisan support for cancer-related funding or policies. It underscores racial disparities in healthcare access, which could spur advocacy or legislative priorities in underserved communities, but remains neutral without partisan mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo [D-PR-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-31: Submitted in House
- 2025-03-31: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Raising awareness of the racial disparities in the impact of colorectal cancer on the Hispanic community. — issued 2025-03-31 — PDF (3 pages)