A resolution designating May 2026 as "ALS Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 751
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2518)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-16T15:46:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. Res. 751
Purpose
This Senate resolution designates May 2026 as "ALS Awareness Month" to highlight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It also expresses the Senate's commitment to supporting those affected by ALS through improved access to care and research efforts.
Key Provisions
- Background on ALS: Describes ALS as a disease with unknown causes in most cases, a typical life expectancy of 2 to 5 years after diagnosis, and symptoms that lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventual respiratory failure. It notes that ALS affects people worldwide without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status, strikes predominantly adults, and results in about 5,000 new U.S. diagnoses annually.
- Designation: Officially names May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month.
- Affirmations: Commits the Senate to ensuring early access to treatments and supports for ALS patients, identifying risk factors to prevent cases, helping patients maintain independence, and reducing physical and emotional burdens of the disease.
- Commendations: Recognizes the contributions of family members, friends, organizations, volunteers, researchers, and caregivers in improving patient quality of life and advancing treatments.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. As a non-binding Senate resolution, it serves only as a symbolic designation and statement of support without amending statutes or creating new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: No direct requirements or funding allocations for agencies, though it may encourage continued federal attention to ALS-related health initiatives.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of ALS symptoms, diagnosis delays, and caregiving needs, potentially supporting broader community efforts for patients and families.
- On International Relations: No implications, as the focus remains domestic.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals diagnosed with ALS and their families or caregivers, who provide daily support and may face high medical costs.
- Military veterans, noted as having a higher diagnosis rate than non-veterans.
- Researchers, organizations, and volunteers working on ALS treatments and cures.
- The general public, through increased awareness of the disease's progression and impacts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The resolution carries no legal or constitutional force, as it does not create enforceable rights or obligations. Politically, it reflects bipartisan support, with sponsorship from senators across party lines, and emphasizes shared goals for patient care without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2518)
- 2026-06-03: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-06-03: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-06-03: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-05-21: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2446-2447)
- 2026-05-21: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month. — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (4 pages)
- Designating May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month. — issued 2026-05-21