Expressing support for designation of the month of April 2025 as "Parkinsons Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 345
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-24: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-08T18:14:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 345) expresses the support of the U.S. House of Representatives for designating April 2025 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month." It aims to raise public awareness about Parkinson's disease, highlight its impact, and encourage ongoing research, education, and support services for those affected.
Key Provisions
- Background on Parkinson's Disease: The resolution outlines facts about the condition, including:
- It affects over 1 million people in the U.S., with nearly 90,000 new diagnoses annually.
- It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide and the fastest-growing one.
- Causes involve genetic and environmental factors, though often unknown; it ranks as the 15th leading cause of death in the U.S. per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Projections estimate nearly double the U.S. cases by 2037, costing at least $80 billion annually.
- Symptoms include tremors, slow movement, balance issues, speech/swallowing difficulties, dementia, cognitive impairment, depression, and more.
- It impacts millions of family caregivers, friends, and loved ones.
- Call for Action: Emphasizes the need for more research, education, and community support to improve treatments, find a cure, and maintain dignity for those living with the disease.
- House Commitments: The resolution states that the House:
- Supports the designation of "Parkinson's Awareness Month."
- Endorses the goals and ideals of the awareness month.
- Continues to back research for better treatments and a cure.
- Recognizes individuals with Parkinson's who join clinical trials to advance disease knowledge.
- Commends organizations, volunteers, researchers, and millions of people working to enhance quality of life for patients and families.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution and introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a formal expression of congressional sentiment rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public awareness of Parkinson's disease, potentially leading to greater community support, participation in clinical trials, and access to education/resources for patients and caregivers. It could indirectly encourage funding or policy focus on neurodegenerative diseases.
- On Government Agencies: No direct mandates, but it signals congressional priority for agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to sustain or expand Parkinson's-related research and public health efforts.
- On International Relations: Minimal impact, though it highlights a global health issue (as Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease worldwide), which could foster international collaboration on research.
- Overall, impacts are primarily symbolic and promotional, without enforceable requirements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: Directly recognized for their role in clinical trials and living with the condition.
- Family Caregivers and Loved Ones: Acknowledged for their emotional and practical burdens.
- Researchers and Medical Professionals: Supported through calls for continued research funding and advancements.
- Non-Profit Organizations and Volunteers: Praised for dedication to improving quality of life, such as groups like the Parkinson's Foundation.
- Broader Public: Benefited through heightened awareness and potential indirect policy influences.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority vote and has no legal force or constitutional implications. It does not appropriate funds or bind the executive branch.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Representatives Bell and Bilirakis from different parties) for health awareness initiatives. It could build momentum for future legislation on neurodegenerative diseases, such as increased NIH funding, without creating controversy or division. The referral to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce underscores its alignment with health policy oversight.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-24: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-04-24: Submitted in House
- 2025-04-24: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for designation of the month of April 2025 as "Parkinsons Awareness Month". — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (3 pages)