Expressing support for the designation of the last Tuesday of April each year as "APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day".

Bill Number

H.Res. 360

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-04-07T19:55:31Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 360) aims to raise awareness about kidney disease, particularly APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD), a form of kidney disease linked to genetic mutations in the APOL1 gene. It expresses support for designating the last Tuesday of April each year as "APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day" to educate the public on risks, prevention, and the need for research.

Key Provisions

• Background on Kidney Disease: Highlights that kidney disease affects about 35.5 million Americans, with over 550,000 on dialysis. It notes higher rates among Black individuals, who represent 13% of the U.S. population but 30% of kidney failure cases, leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens (e.g., over $45 billion annually for Medicare).
• Genetic Factors: Explains that APOL1 gene variants, more common in people of Western or Central African ancestry (affecting an estimated 13% of Black Americans with two copies), increase the risk of AMKD—a fast-progressing kidney disease that often shows no early symptoms. Those with two variants have a 1 in 5 chance of developing kidney disease.
• Prevention and Awareness: Emphasizes that genetic testing can identify risks early, allowing steps like regular doctor visits, healthy eating, prescribed medications, 30 minutes of daily exercise, and avoiding tobacco to reduce kidney failure risk.
• Research Needs: Calls for more awareness and studies on APOL1 mutations to address health disparities; notes no FDA-approved treatments exist yet, but clinical trials are underway.
• Resolution Actions:
• Supports the designation of AMKD Awareness Day.
• Encourages all Americans to learn more about kidney disease and AMKD.
• Urges individuals from or with ancestry from Western and Central Africa to consider genetic testing for APOL1 mutations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support rather than enacting new regulations or mandates.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Could increase public knowledge of kidney disease risks, leading to more genetic testing, earlier interventions, and healthier behaviors among at-risk groups, potentially reducing kidney failure rates and healthcare costs over time.
• On Government Agencies: May indirectly influence agencies like the FDA (by highlighting research gaps) or Medicare (by drawing attention to costs), but imposes no new requirements. It could encourage future funding for kidney disease research through bodies like the National Institutes of Health.
• On International Relations: Minimal impact, though it touches on genetic risks tied to African ancestry, which might foster global health discussions on disparities without direct foreign policy effects.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Individuals at Risk: Primarily Black Americans and those with Western or Central African ancestry, who face higher genetic risks for AMKD.
• Healthcare Community: Doctors, genetic counselors, and patients benefiting from increased awareness and testing.
• Researchers and Advocates: Scientists and organizations focused on kidney disease, who may gain visibility for ongoing trials and the need for treatments.
• Broader Public and Payers: All Americans through education on kidney health; Medicare and insurers, given the highlighted financial burdens.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no enforceable effect and requires no presidential approval; it passed referral to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.
• Constitutional: Neutral, as it aligns with Congress's role in promoting public health awareness without infringing on individual rights (e.g., genetic testing is encouraged but voluntary).
• Political: Highlights health equity and racial disparities in medicine, potentially building bipartisan support for kidney research funding. It underscores ongoing efforts to address genetic and socioeconomic factors in public health without partisan controversy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-04-29: Submitted in House
• 2025-04-29: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of the last Tuesday of April each year as "APOL1–Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day". — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (3 pages)