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HRES 1036

Expressing support for the designation of February 29, 2024, as "Rare Disease Day".

118th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 22 co-sponsors

House resolution expresses support for designating Feb 29, 2024 as Rare Disease Day, boosting awareness and advocacy for earlier diagnosis and better treatments - non-binding.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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Bill Summary · HRES 1036

Summary of HRES 1036: Expressing support for the designation of February 29, 2024, as "Rare Disease Day"

Overview and purpose

HRES 1036 is a non-binding House Resolution that expresses the House of Representatives’ support for designating February 29, 2024, as Rare Disease Day. The resolution acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about rare diseases, promoting accurate and early diagnosis, and supporting national and global efforts to develop effective treatments, diagnostics, and cures for rare diseases and disorders.

Key provisions

  • Expresses support for the designation of Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024.
  • Recognizes the importance of:
    • Improving awareness of rare diseases.
    • Encouraging accurate and early diagnosis.
    • Supporting national and global efforts to develop effective treatments, diagnostics, and cures.

Who is affected

  • This is a symbolic, commemorative resolution rather than a law with regulatory or funding provisions. It signals Congress’s stance and can influence awareness and advocacy efforts among:
    • Patients and families affected by rare diseases.
    • healthcare providers, researchers, and patient advocacy groups.
    • government agencies involved in health awareness campaigns and research funding.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced in the House: February 29, 2024.
  • Introduced sponsor: André Carson (primary); multiple cosponsors.
  • Initial referral: House Committee on Energy and Commerce (February 29, 2024).
  • Further referral: Subcommittee on Health (March 8, 2024).
  • Related companion legislation: HRES 181 (House) and SRES 636 (Senate).

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: André Carson.
  • Notable cosponsors include: Eric Swalwell, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Richard Hudson, Ruben Gallego, Donald G. Davis, Barbara Lee, Jenniffer González-Colón, Joyce Beatty, Yadira Caraveo, Nanette Diaz Barragán, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Katie Porter, Jill N. Tokuda, Sheila Jackson Lee, Brian K. Fitzpatrick, Kevin Mullin, Don Bacon, James P. McGovern, David J. Trone, Melanie A. Stansbury, Rashida Tlaib, Terri A. Sewell, among others.
  • The broad list reflects cross-party and diverse district representation.

Related legislation

  • HRES 181 (companion measure in the House)
  • SRES 636 (companion measure in the Senate)

Practical impact and next steps

  • As a resolution, it does not create new law or spending authority. Its primary impact is to:
    • Officially acknowledge and promote awareness of Rare Disease Day.
    • Encourage continued attention to rare diseases in policy discussions and public health initiatives.
  • If enacted, it could encourage health agencies, researchers, and advocacy groups to coordinate awareness campaigns and potentially influence prioritization of rare disease research and diagnostic initiatives in the future.

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

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