A resolution expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2025 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 194
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2719)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-08T18:02:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 194) aims to express official support for designating April 2025 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month." It highlights the impact of Parkinson's disease and encourages greater awareness, research, and support for those affected.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses outlining facts about Parkinson's disease and its effects, followed by "Resolved" clauses where the Senate:
- Supports the designation: Affirms April 2025 as Parkinson's Awareness Month.
- Endorses goals: Backs the ideals of raising awareness about the disease.
- Promotes research: Continues to advocate for studies to develop better treatments and ultimately a cure.
- Recognizes participants: Honors individuals with Parkinson's who join clinical trials to advance medical knowledge.
- Commends efforts: Praises organizations, volunteers, researchers, and individuals working to enhance the quality of life for those with the disease and their families.
Background facts emphasized include:
- Over 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson's, with nearly 90,000 new diagnoses yearly.
- It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide and the fastest-growing one.
- Causes involve genetic and environmental factors, but are often unknown.
- It ranks as the 15th leading cause of death in the U.S., per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- By 2037, cases could nearly double, costing the U.S. at least $80 billion annually.
- Symptoms may include tremors, slow movement, balance issues, speech/swallowing problems, dementia, depression, and more.
- Millions of family caregivers and loved ones are also impacted.
- Greater need exists for research, education, and support services to improve treatments, find a cure, and uphold dignity for patients.
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 statement of Senate support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Increases public awareness of Parkinson's, potentially encouraging more people to seek diagnosis, participate in research, or access support services. It may indirectly boost funding or attention to caregiver needs.
- On government agencies: No direct mandates, but it signals congressional backing for health initiatives, which could influence priorities at agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or CDC in funding Parkinson's research.
- On international relations: Minimal to none, as it focuses on U.S.-specific statistics and domestic awareness efforts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals with Parkinson's: Directly recognized for their role in clinical trials and living with the disease.
- Family caregivers, friends, and loved ones: Acknowledged for their emotional and practical burdens.
- Researchers and medical professionals: Supported through calls for continued research into treatments and cures.
- Organizations and volunteers: Commended for community support, education, and advocacy work, such as the Parkinson's Foundation.
- Broader public: Benefiting from heightened awareness to reduce stigma and promote early intervention.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as resolutions like this are advisory and do not require presidential approval or create binding obligations. They align with Congress's power to express policy views under Article I of the Constitution.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Senators from both parties) for health awareness, potentially fostering goodwill among advocacy groups. It could influence future legislative agendas on neurodegenerative diseases without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2719)
- 2025-04-30: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2025 as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month”. — issued 2025-04-30 — PDF (3 pages)