Susan Collins (R-ME)
A resolution designating the week beginning September 7, 2025, as "National Direct Support Professionals Week".
A Republican resolution with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7141; text: CR S7141)
Adopted
The chamber formally agreed to it, and for a resolution that is the finish line: what it says is now officially the chamber's position, rule or tribute.
Nothing more is needed. A resolution is how a chamber speaks for itself or sets its own rules, so adopting it is what puts it into effect. It is not a law, so there is nothing for the President to sign.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Officially Recorded
- Adopted by the Senate unanimous consent
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This resolution designates the week beginning September 7, 2025, as "National Direct Support Professionals Week." It recognizes the essential role that direct care workers play in providing long-term support for people with disabilities. The text highlights how these professionals help individuals live in their communities and assist with daily tasks. It also notes a critical shortage of these workers and issues regarding their wages and benefits. Finally, the resolution commends these workers for their vital contributions to the United States.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +4
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The resolution highlights the essential role professionals play in helping individuals with disabilities live in their communities and manage daily tasks.
- Scored +3
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?
The bill recognizes the vital role of direct support professionals in ensuring individuals with disabilities can live in their communities with dignity.
- Scored +2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The resolution suggests establishing a separate Standard Occupational Classification code to improve federal data collection for this workforce.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Recognition of Workers: The resolution designates a specific week to recognize the dedication and vital role of direct support professionals (Resolution, Section 1 and 2). This brings attention to their contribution to individuals with disabilities and their families.
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Addressing Data Collection: The text suggests that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget consider establishing a separate code for direct support professionals in the Standard Occupational Classification system (Whereas clause). This could help track these workers as a healthcare support occupation.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Economic Hardship for Workers: The text notes that many direct support professionals continue to earn low wages and receive inadequate benefits (Whereas clause). This can lead to high turnover and vacancy rates, which can negatively affect the safety and health of individuals with disabilities.
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Workforce Shortage: There is a critical shortage of direct support professionals across the country, a situation that was made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic (Whereas clause). This shortage brings uncertainty and risk to individuals with disabilities.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The resolution highlights the essential role professionals play in helping individuals with disabilities live in their communities and manage daily tasks. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill identifies direct support professionals as hardworking, taxpaying citizens who are often primary financial providers for their families. Would union members be better off under this? — The bill acknowledges the critical shortage and existing issues regarding wages and benefits for these essential workers.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill recognizes the vital role of direct support professionals in ensuring individuals with disabilities can live in their communities with dignity.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The resolution suggests establishing a separate Standard Occupational Classification code to improve federal data collection for this workforce.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The resolution recognizes that direct support professionals provide essential services for the long-term support and daily living of individuals with disabilities.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill notes that direct support professionals are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations in the United States.
- 10/15/2025
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7141; text: CR S7141)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland