SRES-194-119
Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2719)
Sponsored by Rick Scott (R-FL)
What it does
This resolution would express the Senate's support for designating April 2025 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month." It would formally recognize individuals living with Parkinson's disease, commend researchers, volunteers, and advocacy organizations, and reaffirm the Senate's support for continued research into treatments and a cure. The resolution carries no binding 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 nonprofits, which may use the designation to raise public awareness and donations. Researchers working on Parkinson's treatments, who receive a public expression of congressional support.
Who is hurt
No group is materially harmed by this resolution. There are no binding mandates, spending changes, or regulatory effects. A negligible amount of congressional floor and committee time is consumed in consideration of the resolution.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formal congressional recognition raises public awareness of a disease affecting over 1 million Americans — the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease in the world — and helps advocacy organizations amplify their outreach. They contend that awareness designations have historically helped mobilize research funding and community support for diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS, and that recognizing the contributions of clinical trial participants and caregivers provides meaningful encouragement to those affected.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that symbolic resolutions consume limited legislative time without producing concrete policy outcomes for the 1 million Americans living with Parkinson's disease. They contend that the Senate's attention would be better directed toward substantive legislation — such as increased NIH research appropriations or expanded patient support programs — that would produce measurable improvements in treatment access and quality of life rather than a non-binding declaration.
Constitutional context
No significant constitutional issues are raised by this resolution. It is a purely expressive, non-binding act of Congress that does not invoke the Commerce Clause, Taxing and Spending Clause, or any other enumerated power in a legally operative way.
Checks and balances
The Senate expresses a non-binding opinion; no executive branch authority is granted or constrained, and no judicial review is implicated, as the resolution creates no enforceable legal rights or obligations.
Historical precedent
Congress has regularly passed similar commemorative health awareness resolutions, including designations for Alzheimer's Awareness Month and ALS Awareness Month, following the same non-binding resolution format.