A resolution commemorating the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 500
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S8207-8208)
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-14T16:40:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 500) aims to honor the 100th anniversary (centennial) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), recognizing its contributions to advancing the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology, and promoting awareness of communication disorders.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of ASHA's History and Mission: Acknowledges ASHA as a national professional organization with over 241,000 members, including audiologists (hearing experts), speech-language pathologists (experts in speech and language disorders), scientists, assistants, and students. It highlights ASHA's goals to advance science, improve education and practice standards, and advocate for accessible care.
- Emphasis on Communication as a Right: Stresses that effective communication is a basic human right and should be available to everyone.
- Achievements in Standards and Advocacy: Notes ASHA's role in establishing licensing standards across all 50 states and the District of Columbia to protect consumers, and its support for key laws like the Affordable Care Act (which expands health coverage), the Steve Gleason Act (providing speech devices for those with disabilities), the Americans with Disabilities Act (prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities), the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act (for newborn hearing screenings), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (ensuring education for children with disabilities).
- Addressing Stigma and Prevalence: Points out the stigma faced by people with communication disorders, including bullying and misconceptions about their intelligence, which can limit opportunities in work, education, and social life. It also notes that these disorders affect tens of millions of Americans, from children to adults.
- Awareness and Future Focus: References National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May for raising awareness and expresses ASHA's commitment to supporting professionals who improve quality of life for those with disorders.
- Senate Actions: The resolution formally:
- Recognizes ASHA's 100 years of positive impact on people with communication disorders and the advancement of audiology and speech-language pathology professions.
- Commemorates ASHA's centennial year.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the Senate's opinion and does not create, amend, or repeal any laws.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public awareness of communication disorders and the roles of audiologists and speech-language pathologists, potentially reducing stigma and encouraging access to care. It has no direct enforcement or funding effects.
- On Government Agencies: Could indirectly support federal health and education agencies (e.g., those involved in disability services) by highlighting related professions, but imposes no new requirements or budgets.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the resolution is focused on domestic U.S. issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- ASHA Members and Professionals: Audiologists, speech-language pathologists, scientists, assistants, and students who benefit from the recognition of their work.
- People with Communication Disorders: Individuals (infants to older adults) and families affected by hearing, speech, or language issues, who may gain from heightened awareness and advocacy.
- Educators and Employers: Those in schools and workplaces who interact with individuals with these disorders, potentially influenced by reduced stigma.
- State Licensing Boards: Indirectly affirmed for their role in upholding ASHA-influenced standards.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No binding effects; it is symbolic and does not alter statutes or regulations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express commendations under Article I, with no First Amendment or other constitutional concerns.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan Senate support (introduced by Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks) for health and disability advocacy, potentially boosting morale and visibility for ASHA during its milestone year. It was referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary for review but carries no legislative weight.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S8207-8208)
- 2025-11-18: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Commemorating the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. — issued 2025-11-18