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SRES 67

A resolution declaring racism a public health crisis.

119th Congress Introduced by Tammy Baldwin and 6 co-sponsors

Declares racism a U.S. public health crisis and urges a nationwide strategy to reduce health disparities, reform biased policies, and promote health equity.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · SRES 67

Summary of SRES 67: A Resolution Declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis

Overview

  • Bill Type: Non-binding Senate resolution (SRES)
  • Title: A resolution declaring racism a public health crisis
  • Status: Introduced in the Senate
  • Introduced: February 6, 2025
  • Committee Referral: Referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
  • Text reference: CR S800-802
  • Related legislation: Companion House resolution HRES 119

Purpose and Intent

SRES 67 formally states that racism constitutes a public health crisis in the United States and endorses actions to address health disparities linked to racial and ethnic inequities. The resolution aligns with efforts by cities and localities that have already declared racism a public health issue and calls for a nationwide strategy to reduce inequities across society.

Key Provisions

1) Endorsement of Local Declarations
- The Senate expresses support for resolutions drafted, introduced, and adopted by cities and localities recognizing racism as a public health crisis.

2) Declaration at the National Level
- The Senate declares racism a public health crisis in the United States.

3) Commitment to a Nationwide Strategy and Reforms
- Establishing a nationwide strategy to address health disparities and inequities across all sectors.
- Dismantling systemic practices and policies that perpetuate racism.
- Advancing reforms to address long-standing, neglectful policies contributing to poor health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority groups.
- Promoting efforts to address social determinants of health for all racial and ethnic minority groups.

4) Moral and Urgency Charge
- The resolution urges the American people to act with urgency to uphold the nation’s stated ideals of equality and the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Federal Policy Landscape: Signals the Senate’s stance and prioritization of anti-racism and health-equity initiatives, potentially guiding future legislation, funding, and行政 priorities.
  • Federal Agencies and Programs: While non-binding, the resolution urges the development of a nationwide strategy and reforms across sectors, which could influence agency plans, interagency collaboration, and programmatic focus.
  • Racial and Ethnic Minority Communities: Aims to address social determinants of health and reduce health disparities affecting these communities.
  • Localities and States: By endorsing local declarations, it reinforces alignment with local public health efforts and may encourage broader adoption of actions consistent with the national strategy.
  • General Public: Establishes a public-facing narrative about racism as a public health issue and calls for collective action.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Introduction and referral occurred on February 6, 2025.
  • As a resolution, it is primarily declaratory and non-binding; it does not itself create or fund new laws but signals intent and directs consideration of a nationwide strategy and reforms.
  • A companion measure exists in the House (HRES 119), indicating cross-chamber interest in similar themes.

Sponsors

  • Primary Sponsor: Cory Booker
  • Cosponsors: Thom Tillis? (Note: The provided list includes) Cory Booker (primary); Andy Kim, Richard Blumenthal, Tammy Baldwin, Mazie K. Hirono, Alex Padilla, and Ron Wyden as cosponsors.

This summary aims to convey the substantive aims, scope, and potential impact of SRES 67, noting its status as a non-binding Senate resolution that signals priority areas for national health equity and anti-racism policy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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