Expressing support for the designation of May 2025 as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 387

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-05-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Last Updated

2026-04-07T20:53:37Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 387) aims to express congressional support for designating May 2025 as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month." It highlights the prevalence, impacts, and management needs of asthma and allergies to raise public awareness and encourage observance through ceremonies and activities.

Key Provisions

• Factual Background on Asthma: Recognizes that nearly 28 million Americans have asthma (including 4.9 million children), with increasing cases; it causes significant school absences (over 7.9 million days for children in 2018), work absences (10.9 million days for adults), emergency visits (1.5 million annually), hospitalizations, and deaths (over 3,500 in 2021). The annual economic cost was $81.9 billion from 2008–2013. It notes disparities affecting Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities most severely, and that fewer than half of patients receive an "asthma action plan" (a personalized guide to prevent attacks).
• Factual Background on Allergies: Notes that 20.3 million Americans have food allergies (including 4.3 million children), with rising rates over the past 20 years, especially among Black children. Children with food allergies are 2–4 times more likely to have asthma or other allergic conditions.
• Resolution Clause: The House of Representatives officially recognizes May 2025 as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and urges Americans to observe it with appropriate events and programs.

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 support rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: May increase public awareness of asthma and allergy risks, prevention strategies, and disparities, potentially leading to better health management, reduced absences, and fewer emergencies. It could encourage more individuals to seek asthma action plans and support for affected communities.
• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it may prompt health agencies (like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to align with awareness efforts through education or resources.
• On International Relations: No impacts, as this is a domestic public health recognition.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Individuals with Asthma or Allergies: Particularly children, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations who bear higher burdens.
• Families and Caregivers: Those managing chronic conditions and seeking better prevention tools.
• Healthcare Providers and Schools/Employers: Involved in providing action plans, accommodations, or support to reduce absences and costs.
• Public Health Advocates: Groups focused on noncommunicable diseases (ongoing health issues not spread person-to-person) like asthma.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not create binding obligations or infringe on rights. They align with Congress's power to express policy views under Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
• Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for public health initiatives (introduced by representatives from both parties). It could build momentum for future funding or policies on chronic disease management without partisan controversy.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]

Recent Actions

• 2025-05-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• 2025-05-06: Submitted in House
• 2025-05-06: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of May 2025 as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month". — issued 2025-05-06 — PDF (2 pages)