A resolution designating the first week of April as "National Asbestos Awareness Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 666
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-27: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1690; text: CR S1675)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-01T15:18:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 666) designates the first week of April as National Asbestos Awareness Week to raise public awareness about the health dangers of asbestos exposure, including cancers like mesothelioma and lung-scarring diseases like asbestosis. It highlights asbestos risks that remain relevant today despite reduced use, noting ongoing exposures in products, workplaces, ships, shipyards, older buildings, and communities like Libby, Montana.
Key Provisions
- Designates the first week of April as "National Asbestos Awareness Week" (noted as the 21st year of this effort).
- Urges the Surgeon General (the nation's top public health advisor) to issue warnings and educate the public on asbestos as a health hazard.
- Requests the Secretary of the Senate to send an official copy of the resolution to the Office of the Surgeon General.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution expressing the Senate's view, not a law that amends statutes or creates enforceable rules. It continues a recurring awareness designation without altering prior legal requirements on asbestos use or safety.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Increases public knowledge of asbestos dangers, symptoms (which may appear 10-50 years after exposure), and early detection benefits; may encourage safer practices in homes, workplaces, and communities with legacy asbestos (e.g., pre-1975 buildings).
- On government agencies: Prompts voluntary action by the Surgeon General's office for education; no funding, mandates, or regulatory changes.
- On international relations: None.
- Overall, symbolic impact focused on prevention and awareness rather than direct policy enforcement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Public and at-risk groups: Workers (e.g., in shipyards, construction), residents of affected areas (e.g., Libby, Montana), victims of asbestos diseases, and families.
- Health officials: Surgeon General and public health agencies.
- Government: U.S. Senate (bipartisan sponsors including Sens. Merkley, Daines, Durbin, Markey, Booker, and Padilla).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No enforceable obligations; resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not require presidential approval or create rights/liabilities.
- Constitutional: Fully aligns with Congress's power to express views on public health (Article I).
- Political: Bipartisan support underscores consensus on asbestos as a persistent issue; renews annual awareness without controversy or division.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-27: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1690; text: CR S1675)
- 2026-03-27: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Designating the first week of April as National Asbestos Awareness Week. — issued 2026-03-27 — PDF (3 pages)