John Barrasso (R-WY)
A resolution designating February 28, 2026, as "Rare Disease Day".
A Republican resolution with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S716; text: CR S711)
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 February 28, 2026, as ``Rare Disease Day''. The resolution notes that more than 30,000,000 individuals in the United States live with at least one of the more than 10,000 known rare diseases or disorders. It highlights that many of these conditions are serious, life-threatening, and difficult to diagnose. The measure also recognizes the importance of increasing awareness and supporting research efforts. Finally, it officially recognizes the day to promote the importance of improving diagnosis and developing effective treatments.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +1
Would children be better off under this?
The bill specifically notes that children with rare diseases account for a significant portion of the affected population.
- Scored +1
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The resolution promotes improved awareness and research for individuals living with rare diseases and disorders.
- Scored +1
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The resolution promotes awareness and research that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment access for rare disease patients.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Awareness and Diagnosis: The resolution recognizes the importance of improving awareness and encouraging accurate and early diagnosis (Section 2, A and B). This could benefit those living with rare diseases who may currently face difficulty in obtaining accurate diagnoses.
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Research and Treatment Support: The resolution recognizes the importance of supporting national and global research efforts to develop effective treatments, diagnostics, and cures (Section 2, C). This addresses the fact that approximately 95 percent of rare diseases still do not have a treatment approved by the FDA.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are identified in the provided text.
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 children be better off under this? — The bill specifically notes that children with rare diseases account for a significant portion of the affected population. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The resolution promotes improved awareness and research for individuals living with rare diseases and disorders.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The resolution promotes awareness and research that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment access for rare disease patients. Does this put more money into medical research? — The resolution emphasizes the importance of supporting national and global research efforts for rare diseases.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The resolution highlights the importance of supporting research for rare disease treatments.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — By increasing awareness and research for rare diseases, the resolution supports individuals living with these conditions.
- 3/2/2026
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 2/26/2026
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S716; text: CR S711)
- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S716; text: CR S711)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Bill introduced.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Roger MarshallRepublican · Kansas
Tim ScottRepublican · South Carolina