Expressing support for the designation of the month of May 2025 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Awareness Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 456

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

2025-06-11T08:05:27Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 456) expresses the support of the U.S. House of Representatives for designating May 2025 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Awareness Month." The goal is to increase public awareness of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disorder, and to highlight the need for more research, support, and education to improve the lives of those affected.

Key Provisions

• Description of PSP: The resolution outlines PSP as an adult-onset brain disorder distinct from Parkinson's disease, part of a group called atypical Parkinsonism. It affects about 30,000 Americans, often misdiagnosed, with symptoms including cognitive issues, balance problems, speech/swallowing difficulties, stiffness, personality changes, vision problems, depression, and reduced quality of life and life expectancy.
• Progression and Challenges: PSP advances quickly, with most patients needing full care within 3-4 years; there are no treatments to slow it or a cure, and its causes (likely environmental and genetic) are not fully known.
• Impact on Others: It recognizes the burden on family caregivers, friends, and loved ones.
• Call for Action: Emphasizes the need for more research, support services, and education to speed diagnosis, improve care, develop treatments, and find a cure.
• Supportive Measures: The House supports the awareness month designation, its goals and ideals, research for better treatments and a cure, and commends researchers, volunteers, organizations, families, and individuals working on PSP.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support rather than enacting new policy.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: May raise public awareness of PSP, potentially reducing misdiagnosis, encouraging earlier care, and improving quality of life for the estimated 30,000 affected Americans and their families through better education and support.
• On Government Agencies: Could indirectly influence agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by signaling congressional interest in PSP research funding, though it does not mandate action.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution is domestic-focused.
• Broader Effects: Benefits patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and communities by promoting national dialogue on rare diseases, possibly leading to voluntary increases in private or public support for PSP initiatives.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Individuals with PSP and Families: Primary beneficiaries through heightened awareness and potential improvements in diagnosis, care, and research.
• Caregivers and Loved Ones: Acknowledged for their roles, with the resolution aiming to ease their challenges via better resources.
• Healthcare Professionals: Supported in efforts to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment for this often-misdiagnosed condition.
• Researchers and Organizations: Encouraged and commended, including groups focused on neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., PSP advocacy nonprofits).
• Volunteers and Communities: Highlighted for their contributions to awareness and support efforts nationwide.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no enforceable effect and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature; it is purely expressive.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express views on public health issues under Article I, with no conflicts raised.
• Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) for rare disease awareness, potentially fostering future legislative momentum for funding or policy on neurodegenerative disorders without partisan controversy. It underscores Congress's role in promoting health education symbolically.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]

Cosponsors (33)

Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8], Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]

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

• Expressing support for the designation of the month of May 2025 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Awareness Month". — issued 2025-05-29 — PDF (3 pages)