Expressing support for the designation of January 30, 2025, as CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) and RHI (repeated head impacts) Awareness Day.

Bill Number

H.Res. 72

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-01-28: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-04-07T20:41:01Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 72) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating January 30, 2025, as CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy—a progressive brain disease caused by repeated head injuries) and RHI (repeated head impacts) Awareness Day. It aims to raise public awareness about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of CTE and related brain conditions.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses explaining CTE and RHI, followed by five main actions for the House:

• Supports the designation of January 30, 2025, as CTE and RHI Awareness Day.
• Recognizes doctors, researchers, and participants (including those donating brains for study) advancing CTE and RHI research.
• Acknowledges individuals suffering from CTE/RHI symptoms, along with their families and caregivers.
• Encourages the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to include information on CTE and RHI in concussion education materials and to educate the public on symptoms and risk factors.
• Urges the public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities promoting awareness of CTE and RHI.

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 expression of congressional support rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: The CDC and NIH may increase focus on CTE/RHI in public education and materials, potentially leading to more outreach without requiring new funding or mandates.
• On citizens: Raises awareness among parents, athletes, and families about risks in youth sports, military service, and other activities involving head impacts, helping inform decisions on safety and early intervention. It highlights support for those affected, including symptoms like memory loss, depression, and dementia that may appear years later.
• On international relations: No direct impact, as the resolution is domestic-focused.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Athletes and military veterans: Highest-risk groups due to repeated head impacts in sports or training.
• Families, caregivers, and survivors: Including those affected by domestic abuse or epilepsy, who may experience CTE symptoms.
• Researchers and health providers: Recognized for their work on causes, symptoms, and diagnostics (noting CTE can only be confirmed after death currently).
• Advocacy organizations: Groups like the Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation and others are highlighted for promoting awareness and prevention.
• Youth and general public: Encouraged to learn about risks to prevent future cases, especially in developing brains.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: No binding effects; it does not create rights, obligations, or penalties, aligning with the Constitution's allowance for Congress to express policy views without legislation (Article I).
• Constitutional: Fully within congressional authority for resolutions, promoting public health awareness without infringing on individual rights.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) for brain health issues, potentially influencing future funding or research priorities for agencies like the NIH, which recently acknowledged a causal link between head impacts and CTE in 2022. It underscores growing attention to neurodegenerative diseases linked to trauma.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Reschenthaler, Guy [R-PA-14], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

Recent Actions

• 2025-01-28: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-01-28: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of January 30, 2025, as CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) and RHI (repeated head impacts) Awareness Day. — issued 2025-01-28 — PDF (4 pages)