A brief History
Senate Joint Resolution 179 (SJR 179) by Senator Bob Dole passed the U.S. Senate on March 26, 1994. House Joint Resolution 209 (HJR 209), an identical bill, needed 218 sponsors to become eligible for consideration before the House. HR 209 accumulated enough support to pass the House in late May, 1994, ultimately attracting 238 co-sponsors.
View the list of House cosponsors (below).
SJR 179 was substituted for HJR 209 and passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 24, 1994. President Clinton signed the bill on May 31, 1994 thereby establishing National Men’s Health Week.
SJR 179 passes the Senate on March 25, 1994
NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH WEEK
(Senate – March 25, 1994)
Mr. MITCHELL. Madam President, on behalf of Senator Dole, I ask unanimous consent to proceed to Senate Joint Resolution 179 now at the desk introduced by Senator Dole, and I ask for its immediate consideration. I further ask unanimous consent that the joint resolution be deemed read three times and passed and the motion to reconsider laid on the table and the preamble be agreed to.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
So the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 179) was deemed read three times and passed.
The preamble was agreed to.
The joint resolution (S.J. Res 179), with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. J. Res. 179
- Whereas despite the advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of 7 years less than women;
- Whereas the likelihood that a man will develop prostate cancer is 1 in 11;
- Whereas the number of men contacting prostate cancer will reach over 120,000 in 1993, with an expected one-third of the cases to die from the disease;
- Whereas testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men aged 15-34, and when detected early, has an 87 percent survival rate;
- Whereas the number of men contracting lung disease will reach over 100,000 in 1993, with an expected 85 percent of the cases to die from the disease;
- Whereas the number of cases of colon cancer among men will reach over 80,000 in 1993; with nearly one-third of the cases to die from the disease;
- Whereas the death rate for prostate cancer has grown at almost twice the death rate of breast cancer in the last five years;
- Whereas African-American men in the United States have the highest incidence in the world of cancer of the prostate;
- Whereas men are seven times as likely as women to be arrested for drunk driving and three times as likely to be alcoholics;
- Whereas women visit the doctor 150 percent as often as men enabling them to detect health problems in their early stages;
- Whereas significant numbers of male related health problems such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, infertility, and colon cancer, could be detected and treated if men’s awareness of these problems was more pervasive;
- Whereas educating both the public and health care providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality for these diseases;
- Whereas appropriate use of tests such as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) exams, blood pressure screens, cholesterol screens, etc., in conjunction with clinical examination and self-testing for problems such as testicular cancer can result in the detection of many of these problems in their early stages and increases in the survival rates to nearly 100 percent;
- Whereas many men are reluctant to visit their health center or physician for regular screening examinations of male related problems for a variety of reasons including fear, lack of information, and cost factors; and
- Whereas men who are educated about the value that preventive health can play in prolonging their lifespan and their role as a productive family member will be more likely to participate in health screenings: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That June 12 through 19, 1994, is designated as National Men’s Health Week, and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate programs and activities.
SJR 179 passes the House on May 24, 1994
NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH WEEK
(House – May 24, 1994) [Edited]
Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service be discharged from further consideration of the Senate joint resolution (S.J. Res. 179) to designate the week of June 12 through 19, 1994, as `National Men’s Health Week,’ and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the title of the Senate joint resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Maryland?
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and I do not object, I wish to inform the House that the minority has no objection to the legislation now being considered.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House passed legislation today to designate June 12 through 19, 1994, as `National Men’s Health Week.’ As we consider health care reform, prevention and early detection of disease will become increasingly important in saving health care dollars. The shift to prevention requires not only changes in the health care system, but also an awareness by the American public of the importance of regular visits to their physicians.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, afflicting 1 out of every 11 American men and killing 34,000 men every year. For African-American men, the rate of affliction is even worse; African-American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world. In the past 5 years, the death rate for prostate cancer has grown at almost twice the death rate of breast cancer.
Prostate cancer and many other health problems affecting men could be avoided if men’s awareness of health screening tests were increased. Heightening the awareness of preventable health problems and increasing early detection and treatment of disease would significantly improve our Nation’s health, as well as save limited health care dollars.
Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a
family issue.
I thank the chairman, Mr. Clay, for bringing this legislation to designate men’s health week forward. I also thank my colleagues for cosponsoring this vital legislation. I especially thank … the Men’s Health Network for … tireless efforts on behalf of this legislation.
This legislation is important as it will help to raise awareness of these important issues. I am pleased that the House has sent this positive message today.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Maryland?
There was no objection.
The Clerk read the Senate joint resolution, as follows:
S.J. Res. 179
- Whereas despite the advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of 7 years less than women;
- Whereas the likelihood that a man will develop prostate cancer is 1 in 11;
- Whereas the number of men contracting prostate cancer will reach over 120,000 in 1993, with an expected one-third of the cases to die from the disease;
- Whereas testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men aged 15-34, and when detected early, has an 87 percent survival rate;
- Whereas the number of men contracting lung disease will reach over 100,000 in 1993, with an expected 85 percent of the cases to die from the disease;
- Whereas the number of cases of colon cancer among men will reach over 80,000 in 1993; with nearly one-third of the cases to die from the disease;
- Whereas the death rate for prostate cancer has grown at almost twice the death rate of breast cancer in the last five years;
- Whereas African-American men in the United States have the highest incidence in the world of cancer of the prostate;
- Whereas men are seven times as likely as women to be arrested for drunk driving and three times as likely to be alcoholics;
- Whereas women visit the doctor 150 percent as often as men, enabling them to detect health problems in their early stages;
- Whereas significant numbers of male related health problems such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, infertility, and colon cancer, could be detected and treated if men’s awareness of these problems was more pervasive;
- Whereas educating both the public and health care providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality for these diseases;
- Whereas appropriate use of tests such as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) exams, blood pressure screens, cholesterol screens, etc., in conjunction with clinical examination and self-testing for problems such as testicular cancer can result in the detection of many of these problems in their early stages and increases in the survival rates to nearly 100 percent;
- Whereas many men are reluctant to visit their health center or physician for regular screening examinations of male related problems for a variety of reasons including fear, lack of information, and cost factors; and
- Whereas men who are educated about the value that preventive health can play in prolonging their lifespan and their role as a productive family member will be more likely to participate in health screenings; Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That June 12 through 19, 1994, is designated as National Men’s Health Week, and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate programs and activities.
The Senate joint resolution was ordered to be read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
SJR 179 is signed by the Speaker of the House on May 26, 1994
SENATE ENROLLED BILL AND JOINT RESOLUTION SIGNED
(House of Representatives – May 26, 1994)
The SPEAKER announced his signature to an enrolled bill and a joint resolution of the Senate of the following titles:
S.J. Res. 179. Joint resolution to designate the week of June 12 through 19, 1994, as `National Men’s Health Week.’
SJR 179 is signed by the President on May 31, 1994
Becomes Public Law 103-264
(Congressional Record)
Daily Digest – Tuesday, June 7, 1994
House of Representatives
NEW PUBLIC LAWS
S.J. Res. 179, to designate the week of June 12 through 19, 1994, as “National Men’s Health Week”. Signed May 31, 1994. (P.L. 103-264)
A History of Congressional Action
A search of the Congressional Record at http://thomas.loc.gov/home/r103query.html finds 15 articles mentioning NMHW.
15 Congressional Record articles from the 103rd Congress (found by) your search on National Men Health Week.
- NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH WEEK (House of Representatives – May 24, 1994)
- NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH WEEK (Senate – March 25, 1994)
- SENATE ENROLLED BILL AND JOINT RESOLUTION SIGNED (House of Representatives – May 26, 1994)
- SENATE BILLS AND A JOINT RESOLUTION REFERRED (House of Representatives – April 12, 1994)
- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE RECEIVED DURING ADJOURNMENT (Senate – June 07, 1994)
- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE (Senate – May 25, 1994)
- MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE (House of Representatives – April 12, 1994)
- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS (House of Representatives – June 08, 1993)
- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS (Senate – March 25, 1994)
- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS (Senate – May 10, 1994)
- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS (Senate – April 14, 1994)
- Daily Digest – Friday, March 25, 1994
- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS (Senate – April 19, 1994)
- Daily Digest – Tuesday, June 7, 1994
- Daily Digest – Tuesday, May 24, 1994
Congressional history of SJR 179, with a list of Senate cosponsors.
Bill Summary & Status for the 103rd Congress
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S.J.RES.179
Public Law: 103-264 (05/31/94)
SPONSOR: Sen Dole (introduced 03/26/94)
RELATED BILLS: H.J.RES.209
Jump to: Titles, Status, Committees, Amendments, Cosponsors, Summary
TITLE(S):
OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED:
A joint resolution to designate the week of June 12 through19, 1994, as “National Men’s Health Week”.
STATUS: Floor Actions
05/31/94 Public Law 103-264 (6/7/94 CR D628)
05/26/94 Measure presented to President
05/26/94 Enrolled Measure signed in Senate (6/7/94 CR S6521)
05/26/94 Enrolled Measure signed in House (CR H4164)
05/24/94 Measure passed House (CR H3906)
05/24/94 Measure considered in House (CR H3905-3906)
05/24/94 Called up by unanimous consent discharging House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service (CR H3905)
04/12/94 Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service (CR H2215)
03/26/94 Measure passed Senate (CR S4036)
03/26/94 Measure considered in Senate (CR S4036)
03/26/94 Measure called up by unanimous consent in Senate (CR S4036)
STATUS: Detailed Legislative Status
Senate Actions
Mar 26, 94:
Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote.
Apr 12, 94:
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
House Actions
Apr 12, 94:
Referred to the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.
May 24, 94:
House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service discharged by unanimous consent.
Called up by House by unanimous consent.
Passed House by voice vote.
Executive Actions
May 24, 94:
Cleared for White House.
May 26, 94:
Presented to President.
May 31, 94:
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 103-264.
STATUS: Congressional Record Page References
03/25/94 Full text of Measure as passed Senate printed (CR S4036-4037)
05/24/94 Full text of Measure as passed House printed (CR H3906
COMMITTEE(S):
•COMMITTEE(S) OF REFERRAL:
House Post Office and Civil Service
AMENDMENT(S):
***NONE***
8 COSPONSORS:
Sen Stevens – 03/26/94
Sen Thurmond – 03/26/94
Sen Metzenbaum – 03/26/94
Sen Coats – 03/26/94
Sen Bond – 03/26/94
Sen Chafee – 04/14/94
Sen Pell – 04/19/94
Sen Cohen – 05/10/94
SUMMARY:
(AS INTRODUCED)
Designates June 12 through 19, 1994, as National Men’s Health Week.
Congressional history of HJR 209, with a list of House cosponsors
Bill Summary & Status for the 103rd Congress
H.J.RES.209
SPONSOR: Rep Richardson (introduced 06/08/93)
RELATED BILLS: S.J.RES.179
TITLE(S):
•OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED:
A joint resolution to designate the week of June 12 through 19, 1994, as “National Men’s Health Week”.
STATUS: Floor Actions
***NONE***
STATUS: Detailed Legislative Status
House Actions
Jun 8, 93:
Referred to the House Committee on Post Office and CivilService.
STATUS: Congressional Record Page References
06/08/93 Introductory remarks on Measure (CR E1429)
COMMITTEE(S):
•COMMITTEE(S) OF REFERRAL:
House Post Office and Civil Service
AMENDMENT(S):
***NONE***
238 COSPONSORS: [Arranged by date]
| Rep Brewster – 07/29/93 Rep Chapman – 07/29/93 Rep Johnson, E. – 07/29/93 Rep Clyburn – 07/29/93 Rep LaFalce – 07/29/93 Rep Thurman – 07/29/93 Rep Frost – 07/29/93 Rep Norton – 07/29/93 Rep Gutierrez – 07/29/93 Rep Scott – 07/29/93 Rep Hilliard – 07/29/93 Rep Blute – 07/29/93 Rep Dixon – 07/29/93 Rep Maloney – 07/29/93 Rep Quillen – 07/29/93 Rep Hansen – 07/29/93 Rep Bonior – 07/29/93 Rep Hochbrueckner – 07/29/93 Rep Hobson – 07/29/93 Rep Lloyd – 07/29/93 Rep Deutsch – 07/29/93 Rep Martinez – 07/29/93 Rep Evans – 07/29/93 Rep Gekas – 07/29/93 Rep Kim – 09/09/93 Rep de Lugo – 09/21/93 Rep Kreidler – 09/21/93 Rep Fazio – 09/21/93 Rep Jacobs – 09/21/93 Rep Archer – 09/21/93 Rep Morella – 09/21/93 Rep Moorhead – 09/21/93 Rep Frank – 10/13/93 Rep Montgomery – 10/13/93 Rep Hughes – 10/13/93 Rep Klug – 10/13/93 Rep Bentley – 10/13/93 Rep Margolies-Mezvinsky – 10/13/93 Rep Hutto – 10/27/93 Rep Greenwood – 10/27/93 Rep Leach – 10/27/93 Rep Pallone – 10/27/93 Rep Pelosi – 11/04/93 Rep Moran – 11/09/93 Rep Hoyer – 11/22/93 Rep Smith, C. – 11/22/93 Rep Blackwell – 02/02/94 Rep Waxman – 02/02/94 Rep Lewis, John – 02/02/94 Rep Hamburg – 02/02/94 Rep Engel – 02/02/94 Rep Shays – 02/02/94 Rep Weldon – 02/09/94 Rep Meyers – 02/23/94 Rep Knollenberg – 02/23/94 Rep Lantos – 03/02/94 Rep Gunderson – 03/02/94 Rep Eshoo – 03/03/94 Rep Franks, G. – 03/15/94 Rep Quinn – 04/12/94 Rep Skeen – 04/12/94 Rep Mfume – 04/12/94 Rep Olver – 04/12/94 Rep Towns – 04/12/94 Rep Whitten – 04/12/94 Rep Bilirakis – 04/12/94 Rep Clement – 04/12/94 Rep Murphy – 04/12/94 Rep Markey – 04/12/94 Rep Yates – 04/12/94 Rep Hayes – 04/12/94 Rep Hefner – 04/12/94 Rep King – 04/12/94 Rep Kasich – 04/12/94 Rep Gordon – 04/12/94 Rep Ravenel – 04/14/94 Rep Neal, R. – 04/14/94 Rep Lipinski – 04/14/94 Rep Sarpalius – 04/18/94 Rep Sundquist – 04/18/94 |
Rep Edwards, C. – 04/18/94 Rep Washington – 04/19/94 Rep Reynolds – 04/19/94 Rep Pickle – 04/19/94 Rep Vucanovich – 04/19/94 Rep Filner – 04/20/94 Rep Schaefer – 04/20/94 Rep Roukema – 04/20/94 Rep Fields, J. – 04/20/94 Rep Dellums – 04/20/94 Rep Callahan – 04/20/94 Rep Kleczka – 04/20/94 Rep de la Garza – 04/21/94 Rep Geren – 04/28/94 Rep Studds – 04/28/94 Rep Sanders – 04/28/94 Rep Wynn – 04/28/94 Rep Holden – 04/28/94 Rep Unsoeld – 04/28/94 Rep Ackerman – 04/28/94 Rep Kanjorski – 04/28/94 Rep Manton – 04/28/94 Rep Sisisky – 04/28/94 Rep Cooper – 04/28/94 Rep Levy – 04/28/94 Rep Grandy – 04/28/94 Rep Barlow – 04/28/94 Rep McCollum – 04/28/94 Rep Payne, D. – 04/28/94 Rep Klein – 04/28/94 Rep Emerson – 04/28/94 Rep Collins, B. – 04/28/94 Rep Lancaster – 04/28/94 Rep Barrett, T. – 04/28/94 Rep Wise – 04/28/94 Rep Lehman, R. – 04/28/94 Rep Durbin – 04/28/94 Rep Bateman – 04/28/94 Rep Coble – 04/28/94 Rep McDermott – 04/28/94 Rep Roberts – 04/28/94 Rep Lewis, T. – 05/02/94 Rep Bilbray – 05/02/94 Rep Torkildsen – 05/02/94 Rep Meek – 05/02/94 Rep Lowey – 05/02/94 Rep Kingston – 05/02/94 Rep Parker – 05/02/94 Rep Ehlers – 05/02/94 Rep Saxton – 05/02/94 Rep Abercrombie – 05/02/94 Rep Murtha – 05/02/94 Rep Stenholm – 05/03/94 Rep Bishop – 05/03/94 Rep Browder – 05/03/94 Rep Meehan – 05/03/94 Rep Flake – 05/03/94 Rep Gingrich – 05/03/94 Rep Sangmeister – 05/03/94 Rep Peterson, C. – 05/03/94 Rep Volkmer – 05/03/94 Rep Hamilton – 05/03/94 Rep Kennelly – 05/04/94 Rep Sharp – 05/04/94 Rep Rowland, J. – 05/04/94 Rep Thomas, C. – 05/04/94 Rep Ballenger – 05/04/94 Rep Walsh – 05/04/94 Rep Bunning – 05/04/94 Rep Payne, L. – 05/04/94 Rep Reed – 05/09/94 Rep Spratt – 05/09/94 Rep Traficant – 05/09/94 Rep DeFazio – 05/09/94 Rep Snowe – 05/09/94 Rep Spence – 05/09/94 Rep Conyers – 05/09/94 Rep Taylor, G. – 05/09/94 Rep Oberstar – 05/09/94 Rep Pryce – 05/09/94 |
Rep Gallo – 05/09/94 Rep Borski – 05/09/94 Rep Stump – 05/09/94 Rep Boehlert – 05/09/94 Rep Peterson, P. – 05/09/94 Rep Byrne – 05/09/94 Rep Houghton – 05/10/94 Rep Kennedy – 05/10/94 Rep McHugh – 05/10/94 Rep Duncan – 05/10/94 Rep Baker, B. – 05/10/94 Rep Price – 05/10/94 Rep Hastings – 05/10/94 Rep Clayton – 05/10/94 Rep Andrews, R. – 05/11/94 Rep Lightfoot – 05/11/94 Rep Coleman – 05/11/94 Rep Lazio – 05/11/94 Rep Foglietta – 05/11/94 Rep Doolittle – 05/11/94 Rep Neal, S. – 05/12/94 Rep Matsui – 05/12/94 Rep Tanner – 05/12/94 Rep Mineta – 05/12/94 Rep Calvert – 05/12/94 Rep Upton – 05/12/94 Rep Moakley – 05/12/94 Rep Brown, G. – 05/16/94 Rep Goodling – 05/16/94 Rep Porter – 05/16/94 Rep DeLauro – 05/16/94 Rep Cramer – 05/16/94 Rep Sabo – 05/17/94 Rep Burton – 05/17/94 Rep Hyde – 05/17/94 Rep Fields, C. – 05/17/94 Rep Roemer – 05/17/94 Rep Bacchus – 05/17/94 Rep Velazquez – 05/17/94 Rep Camp – 05/17/94 Rep Solomon – 05/17/94 Rep Furse – 05/18/94 Rep Wilson – 05/18/94 Rep Berman – 05/18/94 Rep Faleomavaega – 05/18/94 Rep Dickey – 05/18/94 Rep Taylor, C. – 05/18/94 Rep Slattery – 05/18/94 Rep Swett – 05/18/94 Rep Thomas, W. – 05/18/94 Rep Miller, G. – 05/18/94 Rep Wyden – 05/18/94 Rep Coppersmith – 05/18/94 Rep McCloskey – 05/19/94 Rep Tauzin – 05/19/94 Rep Johnson, T. – 05/19/94 Rep Molinari – 05/19/94 Rep Darden – 05/19/94 Rep Young, D. – 05/19/94 Rep Applegate – 05/19/94 Rep Hall, R. – 05/19/94 Rep Slaughter – 05/19/94 Rep Bartlett – 05/19/94 Rep Hoekstra – 05/19/94 Rep Clay – 05/20/94 Rep Kildee – 05/20/94 Rep Orton – 05/20/94 Rep Baesler – 05/23/94 Rep LaRocco – 05/23/94 Rep Jefferson – 05/26/94 Rep Stupak – 05/26/94 Rep Cox – 05/26/94 Rep McKeon – 06/08/94 Rep Barcia – 06/08/94 Rep Carr – 06/08/94 Rep Gejdenson – 06/08/94 Rep Johnson, D. – 06/14/94 Rep Castle – 06/16/94 |