Summary of HRES 276 (Raising awareness of the racial disparities in the impact of colorectal cancer on the Hispanic community)

Overview

HRES 276 is a House of Representatives resolution introduced on March 31, 2025. It is non-binding and does not amend existing law. The bill urges awareness and action related to colorectal cancer, with a focus on racial disparities affecting the Hispanic community. It has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

• Primary sponsor: Pablo José Hernández
• Status: Introduced and referred to committee (Energy and Commerce) on March 31, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The resolution aims to:
- Recognize the deadly impact of colorectal cancer on the American population.
- Express support for recognizing National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
- Acknowledge racial disparities experienced by the Hispanic community in relation to colorectal cancer.
- Encourage federal agencies to address disparities and promote screening and prevention.
- Honor patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates affected by colorectal cancer.

Key Provisions

The introduced text includes, in substance, these directives and acknowledgments:

1. Recognition of the deadly impact of colorectal cancer on Americans.
2. Support for recognizing National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
3. Acknowledgment of racial disparities faced by the Hispanic community in colorectal cancer outcomes.
4. Encouragement for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to:
   • Continue and expand work to identify factors that contribute to racial disparities in colorectal cancer screening.
   • Develop effective strategies to reduce and, ultimately, eliminate these disparities in screening.
5. Encouragement for individuals to learn their risk for colorectal cancer and discuss appropriate screening with health care providers.
6. Encouragement for the CDC to conduct research to determine environmental factors related to colorectal cancer risk, and for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research factors contributing to elevated colorectal cancer risk in young adults.
7. Honor the courage of patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates affected by colorectal cancer.

Affected Parties and Stakeholders

• Hispanic communities disproportionately impacted by colorectal cancer.
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its public health initiatives, particularly around screening disparities.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) for research into risk factors among young adults.
• General public and health care providers, through encouraged screening and risk-awareness messages.
• Advocacy groups and patients/survivors/caregivers recognizing and honoring their experiences.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Introduction: March 31, 2025.
• Action: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on the same date.
• No further legislative actions or dates are indicated in the provided text (as of introduction).

Potential Impact

• Non-binding guidance that signals congressional focus on racial disparities in colorectal cancer, especially within the Hispanic community.
• Could shape public awareness campaigns (via recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month) and influence agency priorities for CDC and NIH research and outreach.
• Encourages proactive screening and risk-communication between individuals and health care providers.
• Does not authorize funding or create new programs by itself, but may inform future legislation or appropriations.

Notes

• As a resolution, HRES 276 expresses opinions and directs agency focus without imposing legal requirements or funding. Its ultimate impact depends on subsequent actions by Congress and federal agencies.