Expressing support for the designation of October 2025 as "National Down Syndrome Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 831
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-24: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-03T16:58:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 831) aims to express congressional support for designating October 2025 as "National Down Syndrome Awareness Month." It highlights the contributions of people with Down syndrome to society and underscores the need for continued research, advocacy, and policy support to improve their quality of life.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses and four main resolved points:
- Background facts: Notes that about 1 in 700 babies (around 6,000 annually) in the U.S. are born with Down syndrome, a genetic condition causing intellectual and physical challenges. It emphasizes improved life expectancy (from 25 years in 1983 to 60 years in 2025), societal participation (e.g., education, work, voting), and the loyalty of workers with disabilities. It also highlights federal research funding growth (from $18 million in 2014 to $133 million in 2023 via the National Institutes of Health, or NIH), initiatives like the INCLUDE project on Alzheimer's in Down syndrome, and nonprofit advocacy efforts.
- Support for designation: Expresses backing for "National Down Syndrome Awareness Month" as a way to celebrate and advocate for inclusion.
- Recognition of contributors: Commends people with Down syndrome, families, researchers, doctors, scientists, and organizations for advancing quality-of-life improvements.
- Commitment to action: Reiterates Congress's dedication to federal funding for Down syndrome research and supportive policies.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on prior congressional commitments since 1984 to fund Down syndrome research but does not enact new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Raises public awareness about Down syndrome, potentially encouraging inclusion, reducing stigma, and promoting opportunities for education, employment, and social participation for affected individuals and families.
- On government agencies: Reinforces NIH's role in research (e.g., via the INCLUDE initiative) and may indirectly support future budget allocations, but imposes no mandates.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic U.S. issues.
Overall, the effects are symbolic, fostering advocacy without enforceable outcomes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- People with Down syndrome and their families: Directly benefited through increased visibility and policy emphasis on inclusion and support.
- Medical and research community: Includes NIH researchers, doctors, and scientists focused on Down syndrome and related conditions like Alzheimer's.
- Nonprofit organizations: Groups advocating for research, education, and policy changes, which are commended for their role.
- Congress and policymakers: Encourages ongoing federal investment and supportive legislation.
- Employers and educators: Indirectly influenced by highlights on the productivity and contributions of individuals with disabilities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: None, as resolutions like this are expressions of opinion without the force of law; they do not create rights, obligations, or penalties.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to recognize observances and support public health initiatives, but carries no enforceable weight.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by Representatives Garbarino and Gottheimer) for disability rights, potentially influencing future appropriations or bills. It politically reinforces commitment to the disability community amid growing federal research investments, without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-24: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-10-24: Submitted in House
- 2025-10-24: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of October 2025 as "National Down Syndrome Awareness Month". — issued 2025-10-24 — PDF (3 pages)