A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 10 through May 16, 2026.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 736
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2313; text: CR S2311-2312)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-01T15:14:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This Senate resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 10 through May 16, 2026. It highlights the historical origins of the observance, which began as National Hospital Day in 1921 and expanded to a full week in 1953, and recognizes the role of hospitals in providing essential healthcare across the United States.
Key Provisions Outlined
- The resolution includes background statements noting the establishment of the observance to honor Florence Nightingale and build community trust in hospitals after the 1918 influenza pandemic.
- It details the scale of U.S. hospitals in 2026, including 1,383 critical access hospitals serving rural populations, nearly 1,700 teaching hospitals, 656 non-Federal psychiatric hospitals, and 170 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.
- Additional facts cover 2025 statistics on patient admissions (over 35 million), births (over 3.6 million), and employment (more than 5.7 million staff).
- The operative clauses state that the Senate:
- Supports the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week in 2026.
- Recognizes the significant role hospitals play in healthcare delivery.
- Encourages the public to observe the week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. As a non-binding sense-of-the-Senate measure, it does not amend statutes, allocate funds, or create new legal obligations.
Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations
- The resolution may encourage federal agencies, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services, to participate in related public awareness efforts.
- For citizens, it promotes greater public recognition of hospital workers and healthcare access in both rural and urban areas.
- No impacts on international relations are addressed in the resolution.
Main Stakeholders Affected by This Legislation
- Hospitals of various types, including critical access, teaching, psychiatric, and Veterans Affairs facilities.
- Hospital employees, including clinical staff (physicians, nurses) and non-clinical workers (sanitation, food service).
- Patients and communities, with specific emphasis on rural residents, veterans, and those needing mental health or substance abuse services.
- Broader U.S. public, through encouraged observance activities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The resolution carries no legal or constitutional implications, as it is a symbolic expression of support without enforceable requirements. It reflects bipartisan political consensus on the importance of hospitals, as evidenced by its introduction by senators from both parties and its agreement by the Senate without apparent opposition.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2313; text: CR S2311-2312)
- 2026-05-14: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 10 through May 16, 2026. — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (3 pages)