HRES-1318-119
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Sponsored by Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA)
What it does
This resolution would express the House of Representatives' support for designating May 2026 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month." It would formally recognize the impact of these two rare neurodegenerative diseases, support research into diagnosis and treatment, and commend patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers working in this area. The resolution carries no legal force, creates no new programs, and appropriates no funds.
Who benefits
The approximately 30,000 Americans living with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and roughly 2,000 living with corticobasal degeneration (CBD), who may gain increased public visibility for their conditions. Family caregivers and loved ones of patients, who may benefit from greater awareness and reduced social isolation. Neurologists and researchers specializing in these diseases, who may see increased public and institutional interest in their work. Patient advocacy organizations focused on PSP and CBD, which may gain a platform for outreach and fundraising.
Who is hurt
No group faces a direct material harm from this resolution. Other rare disease communities competing for limited congressional attention and awareness-month designations may face indirect opportunity costs, as congressional calendar space for such designations is finite.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that PSP and CBD are severely underrecognized diseases — affecting roughly 32,000 Americans — that are frequently misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease or frontotemporal dementia, delaying access to appropriate care. They contend that formal congressional recognition raises public awareness, encourages healthcare providers to consider these diagnoses earlier, and signals to the research community and funders that these diseases warrant greater attention, particularly given that no disease-modifying treatments currently exist.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that simple designation resolutions consume limited legislative time and floor resources without creating any enforceable obligation, dedicated funding, or measurable policy outcome for patients. They contend that the hundreds of awareness-month designations Congress passes each session have diminishing public impact, and that the same goals would be better served by directing legislative energy toward appropriating research funding or improving rare disease diagnostic infrastructure.
Constitutional context
No significant constitutional issues are raised by this resolution. The House of Representatives has broad authority to adopt simple resolutions expressing its views, and commemorative or awareness designations are a well-established, uncontested exercise of that authority.
Checks and balances
The House of Representatives expresses a non-binding opinion; the resolution requires no Senate action or presidential signature, and no branch gains or loses any enforceable authority.
Historical precedent
Congress regularly passes simple resolutions designating awareness months for rare diseases, including similar designations for ALS, Huntington's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions, none of which have faced legal challenge.