Expressing support for the designation of the last Tuesday of April each year as "APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day".

Legislative Summary: H.Res. 360

Overview

H.Res. 360 is a House Resolution introduced in the 119th Session of the U.S. Congress. The primary purpose of this resolution is to express official support for the designation of the last Tuesday of April each year as "APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day."

Unlike a standard bill, a House Resolution of this nature is primarily symbolic; it does not mandate new laws or allocate federal funding, but rather serves to raise public awareness and signal legislative priority toward a specific health crisis.

Purpose and Intent

The resolution seeks to bring national attention to APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD), a genetic form of kidney disease that disproportionately affects people of Western and Central African descent. The intent is to:
* Highlight the severe health disparities existing in kidney failure rates among Black Americans.
* Promote early detection through genetic testing.
* Encourage preventative health measures to reduce the risk of total kidney failure.
* Stress the urgent need for further research and the development of FDA-approved treatments.

Key Provisions and Findings

The resolution outlines several critical facts to justify the need for an awareness day:

• Health Disparities: While Black individuals make up 13% of the U.S. population, they account for 30% of those with kidney failure.
• Genetic Risk: Variants in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene increase susceptibility to AMKD. An estimated 13% of Black Americans carry variants in both copies of the gene, which creates a 1-in-5 chance of developing kidney disease.
• The "Silent" Nature of AMKD: The resolution notes that symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are nearing complete failure, making proactive genetic testing vital.
• Economic Impact: Kidney failure is a significant burden on the healthcare system, costing the Medicare Program over $45 billion annually.
• Preventative Action: It emphasizes that those with the genetic variant can lower their risk through regular medical check-ups, healthy diets, exercise, and tobacco cessation.

Targeted Population

The bill specifically targets and encourages:
* Individuals with Western or Central African ancestry to consider genetic testing.
* The general public to become better informed about the disparities in kidney disease.
* Medical researchers to continue clinical trials for new treatments.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: April 29, 2025.
• Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• Sponsorship: The resolution has broad co-sponsorship from a diverse group of representatives, reflecting a coordinated effort to address health equity.