S.Res. 614: A resolution designating February 2026 as "American Heart Month".
Sponsor
Richard Durbin
Democrat · IL
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Feb 25, 2026
Passed the Senate, received in House
Why it matters
The Senate is using Heart Month to push attention back onto the nation’s top killer at a time when cardiovascular deaths, costs, and COVID-related health concerns remain high.
S.Res. 614 is a simple, symbolic measure, but it tackles a huge public health problem. The resolution says heart disease and related conditions remain the leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 919,000 deaths in 2023, and it argues that stronger awareness, prevention, research, and care are still urgently needed.
The measure does not create a new program or provide money. Instead, it formally designates February 2026 as American Heart Month and expresses Senate support for the goals behind it. That includes promoting awareness of cardiovascular disease, encouraging early detection of risk factors, backing research, and improving access to affordable, quality care.
The resolution also tries to connect broad health trends to specific groups and risks. It highlights racial and ethnic disparities, maternal health risks, congenital heart defects, and the effects of lifestyle factors like high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, inactivity, obesity, diabetes, and poor sleep. It also points to the longer-term cardiovascular effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that lawmakers want heart health framed as both a chronic disease issue and a post-pandemic challenge.
Politically, this is low-conflict and bipartisan, with Senators Durbin and Crapo behind it, and it was agreed to quickly in the Senate. Its real impact is public messaging: it gives federal backing to awareness campaigns run by groups like the American Heart Association and reinforces the idea that heart disease prevention should stay visible in schools, clinics, workplaces, and public health outreach.
What does S.Res. 614 do?
Names February 2026 American Heart Month
Formally designates February 2026 as American Heart Month to focus national attention on heart disease and stroke.
Backs heart health awareness
Supports public education about the causes, risks, warning signs, and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Encourages research and better care
Reaffirms support for heart disease research and for improving access to affordable, quality care to reduce disability and deaths.
Highlights COVID’s heart effects
Recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting effects on cardiovascular health and mortality rates.
Supports local and nonprofit efforts
Commends states, territories, local communities, nonprofits, businesses, and residents who promote heart health during the month.
Urges people to know their risk
Encourages every person in the United States to learn about their own risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Who benefits from S.Res. 614?
People at risk for heart disease and stroke
They may benefit from greater awareness, screening, and encouragement to seek preventive care earlier.
Women, especially those reached by Wear Red campaigns
The resolution highlights cardiovascular disease as a major threat to women and reinforces outreach aimed at improving recognition and prevention.
Public health and medical research organizations
Groups working on heart disease education, prevention, and research gain added visibility and Senate support for their work.
Communities facing worse heart health outcomes
The resolution draws attention to racial and ethnic disparities, which can help strengthen the case for more targeted education and care.
Who is affected by S.Res. 614?
General public
Americans are encouraged to learn their risk factors and take prevention seriously during Heart Month.
Health care providers and hospitals
They may see stronger pressure to promote screening, prevention, and education about heart disease and stroke.
Nonprofit health groups and advocacy organizations
Their awareness campaigns may gain more public attention and credibility from formal Senate recognition.
Federal and state public health leaders
They are indirectly pushed to keep heart disease prevention, research, and equitable access to care on the policy agenda.
SRES614 Legislative Journey
Floor Action
Feb 25, 2026
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
About the Sponsor
Richard Durbin
Democrat, IL · 43 years in Congress
Committees: the Judiciary, Appropriations, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
View full profile →
Cosponsors (1)
This bill has 1 cosponsor: 1 Republican. Cosponsors represent 1 state: Idaho.
S.Res. 614 Quick Facts
- Chamber
- Senate
- Policy
- Health
- Introduced
- Feb 25, 2026
Passed the Senate, received in House
Feb 25, 2026
S.Res. 614 Bill Text
“Designating February 2026 as “American Heart Month”.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
Get notified when S.Res. 614 moves
Committee votes, floor action, cosponsor changes — straight to your inbox.
Bill alerts + Legisletter's monthly briefing. Unsubscribe anytime.
Health Bills
9 related bills we're tracking
Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Dec 1, 2025
Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
May 20, 2025
CONNECT for Health Act of 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
Jun 26, 2025
Right to Contraception Act
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Feb 5, 2025
Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
Jan 31, 2025
Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
Jan 16, 2025
988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Sep 17, 2025
Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means, 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.
May 8, 2025
Pride In Mental Health Act of 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Jun 5, 2025
Trending Right Now
Bills gaining momentum across Congress
Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Feb 17, 2026
ALERT Act
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
Feb 20, 2026
Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Mar 5, 2026
Tracking Health in Congress? Monitor bills, track cosponsor momentum, and launch advocacy campaigns — all from one advocacy platform.