HRES-345-119
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Sponsored by Wesley Bell (D-MO)
What it does
This resolution would express the House of Representatives' support for designating April 2025 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month." It would formally recognize individuals living with Parkinson's disease, commend researchers and volunteers working on the disease, and reaffirm congressional support for research into better treatments and a cure. The resolution carries no legal force, creates no new programs, and appropriates no funds.
Who benefits
The approximately 1 million Americans living with Parkinson's disease, who gain symbolic congressional recognition. Family caregivers and loved ones of patients, who are also acknowledged. Parkinson's advocacy organizations and research nonprofits, which may use the designation to raise public awareness and donations. Clinical trial participants, who are specifically recognized for their contributions to research.
Who is hurt
No group is materially harmed by this resolution. There are no regulatory burdens, spending changes, or legal obligations created. A small amount of congressional floor and committee time is consumed that could be used for other legislative business.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formal congressional recognition raises public awareness of a disease affecting over 1 million Americans — projected to grow to 2 million by 2037 — and helps advocacy organizations amplify their outreach during a dedicated awareness month. They contend that symbolic resolutions complement substantive research funding by keeping diseases like Parkinson's visible in public discourse, potentially encouraging donations, clinical trial enrollment, and policy attention.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that commemorative resolutions consume limited congressional time and resources without producing any measurable policy outcome, funding, or legal change for Parkinson's patients. They contend that if Congress genuinely prioritizes Parkinson's disease — which the bill notes will cost the U.S. at least $80 billion annually by 2037 — it should direct that energy toward substantive legislation such as increased NIH research appropriations rather than non-binding symbolic declarations.
Constitutional context
No significant constitutional issues are raised by this resolution. Commemorative resolutions are a well-established exercise of Congress's general legislative authority, and this bill creates no mandates, spending, or regulatory requirements that would implicate the Commerce Clause, Taxing and Spending Clause, or any other constitutional provision.
Checks and balances
Congress expresses a symbolic position; no branch gains or loses authority, as the resolution creates no enforceable law, regulation, or appropriation.
Historical precedent
Congress has passed similar commemorative resolutions designating awareness months for other neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's Awareness Month, following the same non-binding resolution format.