Expressing support for the designation of July 16, 2025, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 394
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T20:20:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 394) aims to express congressional support for designating July 16, 2025, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day." It seeks to highlight the severity of glioblastoma—a aggressive type of brain cancer—and promote public awareness, research, and better treatments for the disease.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a detailed preamble outlining facts about glioblastoma, such as its prevalence, low survival rates, treatment challenges, and limited medical advancements. It then resolves that the House of Representatives:
- Supports the designation of "Glioblastoma Awareness Day."
- Encourages greater public awareness of the disease's unmet medical needs and research opportunities.
- Honors those who have died from or are living with glioblastoma.
- Advocates for improved treatments to enhance long-term survival and quality of life.
- Recognizes the role of molecular biomarker testing (tests that identify specific genetic markers in tumors to guide diagnosis and treatment) in managing the disease.
- Expresses solidarity with patients battling brain tumors, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers.
- Urges collaboration among government, private, and nonprofit groups to advance brain tumor research.
- Calls for ongoing investments in glioblastoma research, including through the National Cancer Institute's Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network (a program established in 2020 to support multi-institutional teams in developing therapies from preclinical studies to early clinical trials).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. As a non-binding House resolution, it serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: May increase public knowledge of glioblastoma, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis, more support for affected individuals, and greater participation in research or advocacy. It highlights high out-of-pocket medical costs for brain cancer patients, which could indirectly encourage policy discussions on affordability.
- On government agencies: Encourages agencies like the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prioritize glioblastoma research and funding, building on existing initiatives like the Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network. No direct mandates or budget allocations are imposed.
- On international relations: Minimal impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. health issues, though it could foster global awareness if awareness efforts extend beyond borders.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Patients and families: Those diagnosed with glioblastoma or other brain tumors, who may benefit from heightened awareness and research support.
- Caregivers and support networks: Recognized for their critical role in patient care and advancing research.
- Medical and research communities: Researchers, clinicians, and organizations involved in brain cancer studies, including the NCI's Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network.
- Government entities: Congress, NCI, and FDA, which are urged to sustain or expand efforts in research and treatment approvals.
- Nonprofit and private sectors: Advocacy groups, pharmaceutical companies, and funders focused on cancer research, encouraged to collaborate.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: None, as this is a simple resolution without the force of law; it does not create rights, obligations, or penalties.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy positions and raise awareness on public health matters under the First Amendment and general legislative powers, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both major parties), signaling congressional consensus on prioritizing rare and aggressive cancers. It could influence future funding debates or legislation on cancer research, such as through the National Institutes of Health, by building momentum for glioblastoma-specific initiatives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25]
Cosponsors (19)
Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-05-06: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-06: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of July 16, 2025, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day". — issued 2025-05-06 — PDF (4 pages)