A resolution designating July 16, 2025, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 285
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-17: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3442; text: CR S3441)
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T21:30:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 285) aims to designate July 16, 2025, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day" to highlight the severity of glioblastoma—a rare, aggressive form of brain cancer—and to promote public awareness, research, and support for affected individuals.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a detailed preamble outlining facts about glioblastoma, such as its prevalence (over 13,000 new U.S. cases estimated in 2025), high mortality (over 10,000 deaths annually), low survival rates (6.9% at 5 years, median survival of 8 months), treatment challenges, high out-of-pocket costs for patients, and limited FDA-approved treatments since the 1920s. It also notes recent advancements like the 2020 establishment of the National Cancer Institute's Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network (GTN) for research collaboration.
The core actions resolved by the Senate are:
- Designating July 16, 2025, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day."
- Encouraging greater public awareness of the disease's unmet medical needs and research opportunities.
- Honoring those who have died from or are living with glioblastoma.
- Supporting the development of improved treatments to enhance prognosis and quality of life.
- Recognizing the role of molecular biomarker testing (tests that identify specific genetic markers in tumors to guide diagnosis and treatment) in managing the disease.
- Expressing support for brain tumor patients, their families, friends, and caregivers.
- Urging collaboration among government, private, and nonprofit organizations for brain tumor research.
- Encouraging ongoing investments in glioblastoma research, including through the GTN and other resources.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding Senate resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of the Senate's position rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: May increase public knowledge of glioblastoma, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis, more support for patients and families, and reduced stigma around brain cancer. It could indirectly encourage fundraising and participation in clinical trials.
- On government agencies: No direct mandates, but it signals congressional support for agencies like the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), possibly influencing future funding priorities for brain cancer research without requiring new appropriations.
- On international relations: Minimal to none, as the resolution focuses on U.S.-based awareness and research efforts.
Overall, impacts are primarily educational and motivational, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing treatments without imposing regulatory or financial obligations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Patients and families: Those diagnosed with glioblastoma or other brain tumors, including caregivers who face high emotional and financial burdens.
- Healthcare providers and researchers: Medical professionals, scientists, and institutions involved in brain cancer diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trials, benefiting from calls for biomarker testing and collaborative research.
- Nonprofit and advocacy groups: Organizations focused on cancer awareness and patient support, which may use the resolution to amplify their efforts.
- Government entities: The NCI (through the GTN) and FDA, as the resolution endorses their roles in research and approvals.
- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies: Entities developing glioblastoma therapies, potentially encouraged by the emphasis on innovation and investment.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no legal force and does not require presidential approval or House concurrence. It cannot create rights, obligations, or penalties.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy views on public health issues under Article I, with no apparent conflicts.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Sens. Graham, Kelly, and others from both parties), highlighting unity on health awareness. It may build momentum for future legislation on cancer research funding, but remains symbolic without direct policy enforcement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-17: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3442; text: CR S3441)
- 2025-06-17: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-17: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating July 16, 2025, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day. — issued 2025-06-17 — PDF (4 pages)