Expressing support for the goals and ideas of "National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month" and "World Hydrocephalus Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 755
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-19: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-24T16:40:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 755) aims to express the U.S. House of Representatives' support for raising awareness about hydrocephalus, a serious brain condition involving excess fluid buildup. It endorses "National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month" in September and "World Hydrocephalus Day" on September 20, while encouraging ongoing research into preventing, detecting, and treating the condition.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of the Condition: Highlights key facts about hydrocephalus, including:
- It affects about 1 million people in the U.S., with a global incidence of 85 cases per 100,000 people.
- Occurs in 1 out of every 770 newborns.
- Up to 800,000 older Americans may have a milder form (normal pressure hydrocephalus), with 80% undiagnosed and untreated.
- Can develop at any age, including from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in veterans—over 470,000 U.S. servicemembers have had TBIs since 2000, and 14% of severe cases may lead to hydrocephalus.
- No cure exists; treatment involves expensive brain surgery to insert or replace shunts (tubes to drain fluid), which have high failure rates.
- Leads to over $2 billion in annual U.S. hospital costs, with about 36,000 shunt surgeries yearly (half emergencies) and 10,000 pediatric hospital stays for malfunctions.
- Challenges for young adults (ages 18-22) transitioning from pediatric to adult care, due to shortages of specialized doctors.
- Support for Awareness Efforts: Acknowledges organizations like the Hydrocephalus Association and Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation as leaders in education, support, advocacy, and research funding.
- House Actions:
- Supports the goals of National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month and World Hydrocephalus Day.
- Commits to continued support for research on prevention, detection, and treatment.
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 formal statement of congressional support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases public awareness of hydrocephalus, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis, better access to care, and reduced stigma for affected individuals and families. It may highlight care gaps, such as transitions for young adults or untreated cases in seniors, encouraging more community and medical support.
- On Government Agencies: Could influence federal health agencies (e.g., NIH or VA) to prioritize hydrocephalus research funding or programs, especially for veterans with TBI. No direct mandates, but it signals congressional interest that might shape budget or policy discussions.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though recognizing a global observance (World Hydrocephalus Day) promotes U.S. alignment with international health awareness efforts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Patients and Families: Over 1 million Americans with hydrocephalus, including newborns, seniors, and young adults facing care transitions.
- Veterans and Military Personnel: Those with TBI-related hydrocephalus, supported by references to servicemember impacts.
- Healthcare Providers: Neurosurgeons and hospitals dealing with high-cost, frequent shunt surgeries and emergencies.
- Advocacy Organizations: Groups like the Hydrocephalus Association and Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, which lead awareness and research efforts.
- Researchers and Funders: Benefits from calls for continued research support, potentially increasing grants or focus areas.
- Congress and Policymakers: The House of Representatives, via the Committee on Energy and Commerce, to guide future health policy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and cannot compel action, but it can serve as a reference in future legislative debates on health funding or veterans' care.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy preferences under Article I, without infringing on executive health authorities.
- Political: Symbolically bipartisan (introduced by representatives from both parties), it fosters unity on public health issues and may build momentum for related bills on research or disability support. It underscores the high costs and unmet needs in neurological conditions, potentially influencing election-year health agendas without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-19: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-09-19: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-19: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the goals and ideas of "National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month" and "World Hydrocephalus Day". — issued 2025-09-19 — PDF (3 pages)