Brian Schatz (D-HI)
A resolution supporting the designation of the week of September 20 through September 26, 2026, as "Telehealth Awareness Week".
A Democratic resolution with 3 Republican 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 S5020; text: CR S5007-5008)
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 of September 20 through September 26, 2026, as "Telehealth Awareness Week." It recognizes the role telehealth plays in helping millions of patients access quality healthcare services. The text notes that telehealth helps in areas with workforce shortages and for people who live far from facilities, have limited mobility, or face transportation barriers. It highlights that telehealth usage has grown among Medicare beneficiaries for routine care and behavioral health services. Finally, the Senate urges steps to raise awareness about telehealth benefits, highlight resources, collect data, and promote continuous access.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +4
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The resolution highlights high satisfaction and utilization rates of telehealth among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and over.
- Scored +4
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The resolution explicitly identifies telehealth as an important tool for individuals with limited mobility or transportation barriers.
- Scored +4
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The text emphasizes how telehealth improves healthcare access in areas with workforce shortages and for those living far from medical facilities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Promoting Access to Care: The resolution urges steps to promote continuous access to telehealth for all communities and across settings, which can help individuals who live far away from healthcare facilities, have limited mobility, or have transportation barriers (Resolved, paragraph (3)(D)).
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Raising Awareness and Resources: The text urges steps to raise awareness about the benefits of telehealth and highlight resources for both healthcare providers and patients (Resolved, paragraphs (3)(A) and (3)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions outlining negative consequences, burdens, or negative impacts for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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 explicitly identifies telehealth as an important tool for individuals with limited mobility or transportation barriers. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The text emphasizes how telehealth improves healthcare access in areas with workforce shortages and for those living far from medical facilities. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The resolution highlights high satisfaction and utilization rates of telehealth among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and over. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The resolution notes significant telehealth usage among dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The resolution promotes continuous telehealth access to help individuals overcome barriers such as distance, mobility limits, and workforce shortages. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The text highlights telehealth's major role in delivering behavioral health services to beneficiaries. Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes? — The resolution notes significant telehealth utilization among dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65? — The resolution acknowledges the vital role of telehealth within the Medicare program and encourages continuous access.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The resolution recognizes the use of telehealth by rural health clinics to serve rural and underserved populations.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — Promoting telehealth indirectly underscores the importance of reliable connectivity for remote healthcare delivery.
- 9/24/2026
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5020; text: CR S5007-5008)
- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5020; text: CR S5007-5008)
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Bill introduced.
John BarrassoRepublican · Wyoming
Cindy Hyde-SmithRepublican · Mississippi
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Mark WarnerDemocrat · Virginia