Recognizing the contributions of medical research and observing "Medical Research Week" from September 15 through September 19, 2025.

Bill Number

H.Res. 708

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-09-24T16:27:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution, H. Res. 708, aims to honor the vital role of medical research in advancing health, economic growth, and national security. It designates September 15 through September 19, 2025, as "Medical Research Week" to highlight these contributions and emphasize the need for continued federal support.

Key Provisions

• Recognition of Medical Research Benefits: Acknowledges how medical research has led to life-saving discoveries, better health outcomes, job creation, education of scientists, and economic boosts. It stresses the role in addressing diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, sickle cell, obesity, mental health issues, opioid crises, and emerging infectious threats.
• Role of the National Institutes of Health (NIH): Highlights NIH as a key funder of U.S. medical research, supporting over 300,000 non-federal scientists at more than 2,500 institutions. NIH funds high-risk, expensive research that private industry often avoids, leading to advances in rare diseases (e.g., ALS) and common ones (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's, substance use disorders).
• Economic and Strategic Impacts: Notes that NIH funding generated nearly $93 billion in economic activity and supported about 412,000 jobs in fiscal year 2023. It drives demand for supplies and equipment nationwide, including in U.S. territories, and promotes self-reliance against global competitors to protect health security.
• Resolved Actions by the House:
• Supports designating "Medical Research Week."
• Affirms medical research's impact on health and communities.
• Recognizes the need for strong annual federal funding for NIH to sustain research, global competitiveness, and economic growth.
• Encourages Americans to appreciate NIH-led research conducted across the country.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It serves as a formal statement of congressional support rather than altering statutes or policies.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Reinforces political backing for NIH funding, potentially influencing budget decisions without mandating them. It positions NIH as a leader in health innovation and cost reduction in healthcare.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness of medical research's benefits, encouraging broader appreciation and possible advocacy for health funding. It could indirectly improve access to treatments for various diseases.
• On International Relations: Emphasizes U.S. leadership in global medical research, promoting competitiveness against other nations and safeguarding national interests in health security.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Medical Researchers and Institutions: Over 300,000 scientists and 2,500+ universities, medical schools, and facilities benefiting from NIH support.
• Patients and Communities: Individuals with diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, or opioid addiction, who gain from research-driven treatments and prevention.
• Economy and Workforce: Manufacturers, suppliers, and 412,000+ jobs in research-related sectors across all states and territories.
• Federal Government: NIH and Congress, as the resolution urges sustained funding.
• General Public: Encouraged to recognize and support medical research for overall health improvements.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution (H. Res.), it requires only a House majority and has no force of law, aligning with Congress's constitutional power to express views on policy without binding action (Article I, Section 5).
• Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) for NIH funding amid budget debates, potentially swaying appropriations. It underscores research as a national priority for health, economy, and security, without partisan bias in the text.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-09-15: Submitted in House
• 2025-09-15: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E851)
• 2025-09-15: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing the contributions of medical research and observing "Medical Research Week" from September 15 through September 19, 2025. — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (3 pages)