Supports the designation of "ALS Awareness Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 449

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-05-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-05-30T14:27:44Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 449) aims to express support for designating "ALS Awareness Month" to raise public awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It highlights the challenges of ALS and affirms the House of Representatives' commitment to improving treatments, support services, and quality of life for those affected.

Key Provisions

• Background on ALS: The resolution outlines facts about the disease, including its effects on nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, typical life expectancy of 2-5 years post-diagnosis, unknown causes in up to 90% of cases, genetic factors in about 10%, diagnostic delays of over a year, symptoms like muscle weakness and paralysis, global occurrence without demographic boundaries, prevalence (tens of thousands affected in the U.S., over 5,000 new diagnoses yearly), higher risk among military veterans, lack of a cure, and common death from respiratory failure.
• Support for Awareness: Supports the official designation of "ALS Awareness Month."
• Affirmations of Dedication:
• Ensuring access to effective treatments quickly and identifying causes to prevent new cases.
• Empowering people with ALS to engage with the world as they choose.
• Reducing physical, emotional, and financial burdens of living with ALS.
• Providing high-quality services and supports for patients and caregivers.
• Commendations: Recognizes the efforts of family members, friends, organizations, volunteers, researchers, and caregivers in improving ALS patients' lives and advancing treatments and cures.

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 rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Increases public awareness of ALS, potentially leading to greater support, funding, and research efforts, which could benefit the estimated tens of thousands of U.S. individuals with ALS, their families, and caregivers by reducing isolation and financial strains from medical care and equipment.
• On Government Agencies: Encourages congressional focus on ALS-related issues, possibly influencing future appropriations or policy priorities in health committees (e.g., Energy and Commerce), but has no direct mandates or funding requirements.
• On International Relations: Minimal impact, as it focuses on U.S. domestic awareness and support; however, it may indirectly align with global health initiatives given ALS's worldwide occurrence.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Individuals with ALS and Their Families: Primary beneficiaries through affirmed commitments to better treatments, services, and burden reduction.
• Caregivers and Support Networks: Spouses, children, friends, and volunteers recognized for their roles in daily care.
• Military Veterans: Highlighted due to their elevated risk of ALS diagnosis.
• Researchers and Organizations: Commended for work on causes, treatments, and cures; may gain indirect momentum for funding and collaboration.
• Healthcare Providers: Involved in delivering high-quality services as the disease progresses.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: No binding legal effects; resolutions like this do not create enforceable rights or obligations but can guide future legislative actions.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express policy views under Article I, without infringing on individual rights or federalism principles.
• Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) for ALS advocacy, potentially boosting public and political momentum for related bills, research funding, or awareness campaigns, while commending grassroots efforts to foster unity on health issues.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-05-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-05-29: Submitted in House
• 2025-05-29: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Supports the designation of "ALS Awareness Month". — issued 2025-05-29 — PDF (4 pages)