[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 128 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 128

 Recognizing the rise of cardiovascular disease as the world's leading 
  cause of preventable death and disability and as the global public 
   health crisis of our generation and supporting the recognition of 
              February 2021, as ``American Heart Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 15, 2021

  Mr. Smith of New Jersey (for himself and Mrs. Beatty) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
 Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a 
 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 
                          committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing the rise of cardiovascular disease as the world's leading 
  cause of preventable death and disability and as the global public 
   health crisis of our generation and supporting the recognition of 
              February 2021, as ``American Heart Month''.

Whereas the World Health Organization estimates that in 2017, 17,800,000 people 
        died from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) globally;
Whereas of these deaths, 85 percent were due to heart attacks and strokes and 
        over three-quarters of CVD deaths occur in low- and middle-income 
        countries;
Whereas CVDs result in tremendous health care costs and lost productivity and, 
        if not addressed, the United States alone will spend over 
        $1,000,000,000,000 by 2035 on costs relating to CVD;
Whereas educational attainment, household income, residential environment, 
        access to health care, and structural racism contribute significantly to 
        disparities in CVD mortality in the United States;
Whereas the global COVID-19 pandemic poses significantly high risk to 
        individuals with CVD and risk factors;
Whereas the heavy burden of death and disability from CVDs can be decreased 
        through changes in behavior linked to major risk factors, including 
        reduced tobacco use and salt consumption and improvements in access to 
        medical treatment and services;
Whereas essential quality-assured medicines and technologies are critical 
        components to address the global burden of CVDs; and
Whereas United States leadership and support has strengthened surveillance, 
        enhanced workforce capacity, and provided valuable technical exchanges 
        in the area of CVD: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports recognition of American Heart Month to bring 
        awareness to the cardiovascular disease (CVD) public health 
        crisis in the United States and abroad;
            (2) recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of the United 
        States to fighting cardiovascular disease by--
                    (A) promoting awareness about the causes, risks, 
                and prevention of cardiovascular disease;
                    (B) supporting research on cardiovascular disease, 
                including disparities in cardiovascular disease 
                morbidity and mortality with respect to race, 
                ethnicity, and other social determinants of health;
                    (C) equitably expanding access to affordable, 
                quality care to reduce long-term disability and 
                mortality; and
                    (D) strengthening the Nation's public health 
                infrastructure to support prevention, preparedness, and 
                responsiveness to ongoing threats to health;
            (3) urges the deployment of United States technical 
        expertise on CVDs in support of developing capacities and 
        strengthening health care systems and public health 
        infrastructure of other countries;
            (4) values the quality of life for CVD patients around the 
        world and their reintegration to society;
            (5) calls on the Department of State, the United States 
        Agency for International Development, and the Centers for 
        Disease Control and Prevention, to--
                    (A) comprehensively examine the impact of CVDs on 
                health and development in United States priority 
                assistance countries; and
                    (B) develop a coordinated strategy that improves 
                the effectiveness and impact of United States-financed 
                global health programming by integrating CVD into 
                existing programs;
            (6) commends the efforts of States, territories, and 
        possessions of the United States, localities, nonprofit 
        organizations, businesses and other entities, and the people of 
        the United States who support American Heart Month; and
            (7) encourages every individual in the United States to 
        learn about his or her risk for cardiovascular disease.
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