Supporting the recognition of October 2025 as "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 806
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-14: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-11T15:38:02Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 806) aims to express congressional support for designating October 2025 as "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month." It seeks to increase public awareness of breast cancer, highlight its impact, promote research efforts, and encourage actions to improve early detection, treatment, and access to care.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of the Month: The resolution formally supports October 2025 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual event focused on educating the public about breast cancer and advancing research toward a cure.
- Background Facts Provided: The resolution includes detailed "Whereas" clauses outlining key statistics and challenges, such as:
- Breast cancer diagnoses occur every 2 minutes in the U.S., with over 319,000 new cases and nearly 42,000 deaths expected in 2025.
- Survival rates are high (over 99%) for early-stage detection but drop significantly (to 32%) for metastatic cases, where no cure exists and treatment focuses on quality of life.
- Disparities affect specific groups: Black women face 38% higher mortality than White women; it's the leading cancer death cause for Hispanic women; rates are stable (not declining) for American Indian and Alaska Native women.
- Rising incidence in younger women (under 50), who face unique challenges like early menopause, fertility loss, and higher-stage diagnoses at detection.
- Emphasis on the needs of over 4 million survivors, including access to affordable screening, diagnosis, treatment, and research funding.
- Call to Action: Urges policymakers to address breast cancer community issues, such as timely and affordable healthcare.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It does not create new mandates, allocate funds, or enforce requirements; instead, it serves as a symbolic statement of support.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May heighten public awareness, encourage early screenings, and reduce stigma around breast cancer, potentially leading to better health outcomes for affected individuals and families. It highlights disparities, which could prompt community discussions on equity in healthcare.
- On Government Agencies: Could influence federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services or the National Institutes of Health to prioritize breast cancer initiatives in budgeting or programs, though without direct authority.
- On International Relations: Minimal impact, as the resolution is U.S.-focused and does not address global policy or cooperation.
- Broader Effects: Supports ongoing advocacy for research funding and policy reforms, potentially benefiting the 4 million+ survivors and those at risk.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Patients and Survivors: Over 4 million breast cancer survivors, including those with metastatic disease (over 168,000 women and unknown men), who may gain from increased visibility and calls for better care access.
- Families and Caregivers: Loved ones supporting those affected, emphasizing the emotional and practical burdens.
- Disproportionately Impacted Groups: Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, and young women (under 50), who face higher risks, later diagnoses, or stagnant mortality rates.
- Healthcare Providers and Researchers: Medical professionals, advocacy groups (e.g., those promoting early detection), and research institutions benefiting from urged funding and awareness.
- Policymakers: Members of Congress and government officials, encouraged to address related health policy issues.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding legal effect and does not require presidential approval or Senate concurrence. It operates within Congress's power to express opinions on public health matters under Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
- Constitutional: Aligns with free speech and informational roles of Congress; no conflicts with individual rights or federalism, as it promotes voluntary awareness rather than mandates.
- Political: Symbolically bipartisan (introduced by members from both parties), it fosters unity on public health issues and could build momentum for future legislation on cancer research funding or healthcare equity. It underscores ongoing debates on health disparities without partisan bias.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-14: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-10-14: Submitted in House
- 2025-10-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the recognition of October 2025 as "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month". — issued 2025-10-14 — PDF (3 pages)