119-SRES-500 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s 100th anniversary and recognizing the work of audiologists and speech-language pathologists across the country.

What It Does

S. Res. 500 formally commemorates the centennial of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and recognizes its role in advancing science, education, professional standards, and access to quality care for people with communication disorders. It highlights ASHA’s membership (about 241,000 professionals and students) and acknowledges long-standing advocacy for disability and health laws.

Who’s For It

• Sponsors: Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, who introduced the resolution to honor ASHA’s 100 years and raise awareness of communication disorders.
• Likely supporters: ASHA and its members (audiologists, speech-language pathologists, assistants, researchers), universities that train these professionals, and families affected by communication disorders who value recognition of the field’s impact.
• Why they support it: It spotlights a major milestone, combats stigma around communication disorders, and applauds efforts to improve access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Who’s Against It

• No organized opposition noted at introduction.
• General critique sometimes raised about commemorative resolutions: they are symbolic, take up floor or committee time, and do not address underlying policy needs like workforce shortages or insurance coverage.

What’s Next

As of November 18, 2025, the resolution was introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Next, the committee may consider it; if reported, it could receive a Senate floor vote. Because it is a simple Senate resolution, it does not go to the House or the President.