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HRES 1167

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

119th Congress Introduced by Wesley Bell and 3 co-sponsors

Expresses support for designating April 2026 as Parkinson’s Awareness Month to highlight disease impact and urge ongoing research, support, and recognition.

Submitted in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HRES 1167

Summary: H.Res. 1167 – Expressing support for Parkinson's Awareness Month (April 2026)

Purpose

  • Expresses support for designating April 2026 as “Parkinson's Awareness Month.”
  • signals bipartisan acknowledgment of Parkinson’s disease as a significant public health issue and commits to continued awareness, research, and support efforts.

Key Provisions and Provisions Introduction

  • The resolution is a supportive, symbolic measure. It does not create new laws or funding programs.
  • It recognizes the scope and impact of Parkinson’s disease in the United States and the world, and it outlines the rationale for awareness efforts.

What the Bill States (Substantive Content)

  • Parkinson’s disease affects over 1 million people in the United States, with roughly 90,000 new diagnoses each year.
  • It is described as the fastest-growing and second most common neurodegenerative disease globally.
  • Causes are thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors; the exact cause in most individuals remains unknown.
  • Parkinson’s is the 13th leading cause of death in the United States (per CDC data).
  • By 2045, projections estimate:
    • About 1.7 million Americans living with Parkinson’s disease and related conditions.
    • Economic costs reaching approximately $112.4 billion.
  • Symptoms listed include dementia and cognitive impairment, tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity, gait and balance issues, speech and swallowing difficulties, depression, and other symptoms.
  • The bill notes the important role of family caregivers, friends, and loved ones, including an estimate that care partners faced $8.3 billion in lost earnings and productivity in 2024 due to reduced work hours and early retirement.
  • Emphasizes the need for:
    • More research to develop better treatments and a cure.
    • Education and community support services.
    • Maintenance of dignity for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • The designation primarily affects awareness efforts, advocacy, and recognition within the public and policymakers.
  • It highlights and honors:
    • Individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
    • People who participate in clinical trials.
    • Organizations, volunteers, researchers, and communities involved in Parkinson’s-related work.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced April 14, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Acknowledges the month of April 2026 as Parkinson’s Awareness Month; no fiscal provisions or programmatic authorizations are included.
  • As a resolution, it expresses support and encouragement for related goals but does not impose new regulatory obligations or funding streams.

Sponsors

  • Principal sponsor: Representative Wesley Bell.
  • Co-sponsors: Representative Gus Bilirakis.

Bottom Line

H.Res. 1167 is a non-binding resolution expressing support for designating April 2026 as Parkinson's Awareness Month, underscoring the impact of Parkinson’s disease, the importance of ongoing research and support, and recognition of patients, caregivers, and advocates. It serves as a formal statement of values and awareness rather than a policy or funding measure.

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

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