A resolution expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2026 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month".

Bill Number: S.Res. 696
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Health
Status: Passed Senate
Latest Action: 2026-04-28: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2076-2077; text: CR S2085-2086)
Last Updated: 2026-05-08T18:14:13Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of S. Res. 696: Expressing Support for "Parkinson's Awareness Month"

Purpose

This Senate resolution expresses the U.S. Senate's support for designating April 2026 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month" to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease, recognize those affected, and highlight the need for more research, education, and support services.

Key Provisions

Background facts ("Whereas" clauses):
Parkinson's affects over 1 million people in the U.S., with nearly 90,000 new diagnoses yearly.
It is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease worldwide and the second most common one.
Causes involve genetics and environment, but are often unknown.
It ranks as the 13th leading cause of death in the U.S. (per CDC data).
Symptoms include tremors, slow movement, balance issues, speech/swallowing problems, dementia, depression, and more.
Millions of family caregivers and loved ones are impacted.
More research, education, and support are needed for better treatments, a cure, and maintaining dignity for patients.
Senate actions ("Resolved" clause):
Supports designating April 2026 as Parkinson's Awareness Month.
Endorses the goals of the awareness month.
Continues backing research for treatments and a cure.
Recognizes patients in clinical trials.
Commends organizations, volunteers, researchers, and individuals improving lives of those with Parkinson's and their families.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution (a formal statement of opinion by the Senate), so it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws.

Potential Impacts

Citizens: Increases public awareness of Parkinson's, potentially encouraging donations, participation in trials, and support for patients and caregivers.
Government agencies: No direct mandates, but signals congressional interest in funding research (e.g., via NIH or CDC).
International relations: Minimal; focuses on U.S. issues but notes global prevalence.
Overall: Symbolic gesture to promote education and research without enforceable requirements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

People with Parkinson's disease and their families/caregivers.
Researchers and clinical trial participants.
Non-profit organizations, volunteers, and advocacy groups focused on Parkinson's.
Federal agencies like the CDC and NIH (indirectly, through expressed support for research).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: No binding effect; resolutions like this have no force of law and cannot be enforced in courts.
Constitutional: Fully aligns with Congress's power to express opinions (Article I).
Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (sponsored by Sens. Scott (R-FL), Booker (D-NJ), and Risch (R-ID)); passed unanimously in the Senate on April 28, 2026. Highlights health awareness as a non-partisan issue.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]

Cosponsors (2)

Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]

Recent Actions

2026-04-28: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2076-2077; text: CR S2085-2086)
2026-04-28: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Versions

Expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2026 as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. — issued 2026-04-28 — PDF (3 pages)