Expressing support for the designation of June 10 as "FSGS Awareness Day".

Bill Number

H.Res. 507

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-06-27T13:16:52Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 507) aims to raise awareness about focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease that causes scarring in the kidneys and often leads to kidney failure. It expresses support for designating June 10 as "FSGS Awareness Day" to educate the public, support patients and families, and highlight efforts toward better diagnosis, treatment, and a potential cure.

Key Provisions

• Supports the official designation of June 10 as "FSGS Awareness Day."
• Applauds advocacy groups, organizations, and individuals who promote awareness, research, education, and support for those affected by FSGS, including cases where the disease recurs after kidney transplants.
• Recognizes the dedication of parents, families, researchers, health professionals, industry partners, and others working to develop effective treatments and ultimately find a cure for FSGS.

The resolution includes detailed "Whereas" clauses outlining FSGS facts, such as:

• It affects about 1 in 7 U.S. adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD), disproportionately impacting minorities like African Americans due to genetic factors (e.g., APOL1 gene variants).
• Up to 50% of patients need dialysis or a transplant within 5-10 years; recurrence in transplants happens in up to 50% of cases and can occur rapidly.
• It costs the U.S. healthcare system around $2 billion annually in direct medical expenses.
• Diagnosis often takes 5-7 years due to its rarity and limited access to specialized care.
• Ongoing clinical trials and advocacy (e.g., by NephCure) offer hope for new therapies, with events like the Tampa Pig Jig raising millions for research since 2011.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding House resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a symbolic gesture of congressional support rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On citizens: Increases public awareness of FSGS symptoms, risks, and disparities (especially in Black communities), potentially leading to earlier diagnosis, better access to care, and reduced stigma. It may inspire more donations and participation in research or events.
• On government agencies: No direct mandates, but it could encourage agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prioritize FSGS in funding or approvals, given mentions of clinical trials and potential FDA therapies.
• On international relations: Minimal to none, as it focuses on U.S.-specific health issues and domestic advocacy.
• Overall, it promotes indirect benefits like advancing research and reducing healthcare costs through prevention, without creating new obligations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Patients and families: Those living with FSGS, facing kidney failure, dialysis, transplants, or recurrence; provides emotional support and highlights their challenges.
• Minority communities: Particularly African Americans, who face higher rates due to genetic risks, addressing health disparities.
• Advocacy and support organizations: Groups like NephCure, which lead awareness and research efforts.
• Healthcare providers and researchers: Nephrologists (kidney specialists), scientists, and industry partners involved in trials and therapy development; recognizes shortages in specialized care.
• General public and policymakers: Encourages broader education on rare kidney diseases, which make up 5-10% of CKD cases but 30% of kidney failures.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval or Senate concurrence. It aligns with Congress's role in recognizing health awareness days to promote public health without infringing on rights.
• Constitutional: No implications; it does not affect individual liberties, federal powers, or state authority.
• Political: Symbolically bipartisan (introduced by Rep. Bilirakis), it underscores congressional focus on rare diseases and health equity. It may build momentum for future funding or legislation on kidney disease, especially amid growing emphasis on genetic and minority health issues, but risks being seen as performative if not followed by action.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-06-12: Submitted in House
• 2025-06-12: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of June 10 as "FSGS Awareness Day". — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (4 pages)