SRES-546-119
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8793; text: CR S8782)
Sponsored by Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
What it does
This Senate resolution would designate November 2025 as "National Hospice and Palliative Care Month." It would encourage the public to learn about hospice and palliative care, to recognize family caregivers and hospice staff and volunteers, and to observe the month with appropriate activities. It creates no programs, funding, or legal requirements.
Who benefits
Hospice and palliative care providers, staff, and volunteers who would receive public recognition. Family caregivers and patients with serious illness who may gain awareness of care options. Advocacy organizations that use the month for outreach. The benefits are symbolic and awareness-based only.
Who is hurt
No group is meaningfully affected. The resolution imposes no mandates, costs, or changes to coverage or services.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that the resolution raises awareness of care that improves quality of life for people with serious illness and their families. They contend recognition is warranted given that more than 1.7 million people received care from over 6,535 hospice providers in 2023, and that many patients and families learn about these options late.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that ceremonial resolutions use Senate time without changing access, cost, or quality of care. They contend that awareness months have no measurable effect on patient outcomes, and that attention would be better directed to substantive questions such as hospice payment rates, workforce shortages, and program oversight.
Constitutional context
This resolution raises no constitutional question beyond the Senate's authority over its own proceedings under Article I, Section 5. It is non-binding and creates no legal obligations.
Checks and balances
The Senate alone adopts this non-binding resolution; it does not go to the House or President and creates no new authority for any branch.
Historical precedent
The Senate has passed similar resolutions designating November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month in prior years.