Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2025, as "DIPG Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage research into cures for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and pediatric cancers in general.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 419
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-29T16:08:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 419) expresses congressional support for designating May 17, 2025, as "DIPG Awareness Day." Its main goal is to raise public awareness about diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)—a rare, aggressive brain tumor in children—and to promote research into cures for DIPG and other pediatric cancers.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes factual background ("Whereas" clauses) highlighting the severity of DIPG, followed by supportive actions ("Resolved" clauses):
- Prevalence and Impact: DIPG affects 200–400 U.S. children annually; brain tumors are the top cause of cancer death in children; DIPG is the second most common malignant childhood brain tumor and the leading cause of brain tumor-related deaths in kids; median survival is 9 months post-diagnosis, with less than 1% surviving 5 years; it results in about 24,000 years of life lost annually; and prognosis hasn't improved in over 40 years.
- Call for Action:
- Supports the "DIPG Awareness Day" designation.
- Urges Americans to learn more about DIPG, pediatric brain cancer, and funding challenges in medical research.
- Advocates for increased research to understand DIPG, develop treatments, and improve care for affected children and families.
- Encourages public and private funders to prioritize high mortality rates and life-years lost when reviewing research grants.
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 statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases public awareness of DIPG and pediatric cancers, potentially leading to greater community involvement, donations, and early detection efforts, benefiting families of affected children.
- On Government Agencies: May influence agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to prioritize pediatric cancer research funding, though it does not mandate budget changes.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but could indirectly support global research collaborations on pediatric cancers.
- Broader Effects: Highlights unmet needs in pediatric oncology, possibly encouraging voluntary increases in research funding from federal, state, or private sources.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Children with DIPG and Families: Primary beneficiaries through heightened awareness and potential research advancements.
- Medical Researchers and Institutions: Encouraged to pursue DIPG studies, with emphasis on funding criteria that favor high-impact diseases.
- Pediatric Cancer Advocacy Groups: Gain congressional endorsement to amplify their efforts.
- Public and Private Funders: Prompted to reassess grant priorities based on disease severity.
- General Public and Policymakers: Informed to support broader pediatric health initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No binding effects; resolutions like this do not create enforceable obligations but can guide future legislative priorities.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express opinions on public health issues under Article I, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties) for pediatric cancer awareness, potentially building momentum for related funding bills; it underscores the need for increased federal investment in rare childhood diseases, which have historically received less research attention than adult cancers.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-05-15: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2025, as "DIPG Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage research into cures for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and pediatric cancers in general. — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (3 pages)