[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 500 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 500

   Commemorating the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-
                          Hearing Association.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           November 18, 2025

Mr. Van Hollen (for himself and Ms. Alsobrooks) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Commemorating the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-
                          Hearing Association.

Whereas the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (referred to in this 
        preamble as ``ASHA'') is the national professional, scientific, and 
        credentialing association for 241,000 members, certificate holders, and 
        affiliates who are--

    (1) audiologists;

    (2) speech-language pathologists;

    (3) speech, language, and hearing scientists;

    (4) audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; or

    (5) students;

Whereas, in its centennial year, ASHA remains steadfast in achieving its mission 
        to--

    (1) advance science;

    (2) foster excellence in education and professional practice;

    (3) establish standards; and

    (4) advocate for accessible and quality care for all;

Whereas ASHA believes that effective communication is a human right and should 
        be accessible and achievable for all;
Whereas ASHA led the path for licensing in all 50 States and the District of 
        Columbia by setting the initial standards in the fields of practice for 
        audiology and speech-language pathology to ensure consumer protections 
        through State licensure;
Whereas ASHA's commitment to promoting access to care and support for those with 
        communications disorders is demonstrated through engaging in advocacy 
        for laws, such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public 
        Law 111-148), the Steve Gleason Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-40), the 
        Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), the 
        Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-
        241), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 
        1400 et seq.);
Whereas people with communication disorders are frequently subjected to stigma 
        that includes mockery, bullying, and myths that say they are of low 
        intelligence and ability, which causes them to be wrongly underestimated 
        and denied advancement at work and educationally, as well as isolated 
        socially;
Whereas communication disorders are among the most common conditions in children 
        and adults in the United States, affecting tens of millions of 
        individuals in the United States;
Whereas May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, which provides an 
        opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the 
        professions of audiology and speech-language pathology; and
Whereas ASHA looks to the future and how it can most effectively educate, 
        support, and advocate for the audiologists and speech-language 
        pathologists who are making a positive difference in the quality of life 
        for millions of individuals in the United States, from infants to older 
        adults: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the American Speech-Language-Hearing 
        Association for 100 years of positive impact for people with 
        communication disorders and work to advance the professions of 
        audiology and speech-language pathology; and
            (2) commemorates the centennial year of the American 
        Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
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