Expressing support for the designation of September 9 as “National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day”.
Latest action (8 Sep 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.Res. 1516 is a House resolution expressing support for designating September 9 as "National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day." It does not create new programs, funding, or legal requirements; instead, it formally states the House's support for the designation, recognizes the need for greater attention and resources to address HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis in African immigrant and refugee communities, and encourages increased screening, hepatitis B vaccination, and linkage to treatment and care to reduce new infections and related deaths.
The resolution cites data indicating that African immigrant populations in the U.S. have grown substantially since 1980, that HIV infection rates among African immigrants are considerably higher than in the general U.S. population, and that these communities have some of the highest chronic hepatitis B rates in the country. It also notes barriers such as stigma, language differences, immigration-related fears, and gaps in health surveillance data that can obscure the specific health needs of African immigrant and refugee populations. The measure is primarily symbolic, aimed at raising public and provider awareness rather than mandating specific government action.
The bill was introduced on September 8, 2026, by Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As a simple House resolution, if passed it would express the sentiment of the House of Representatives but would not carry the force of law and would not require Senate action or presidential signature. Its next step would be consideration by the committee, which could hold a vote or take no further action.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This resolution is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on September 8, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.Res. 1516 do?
- H.Res. 1516 is a House resolution expressing support for designating September 9 as "National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day." It does not create new programs, funding, or legal requirements; instead, it formally states the House's support for the designation, recognizes the need for greater attention and resources to address HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis in African immigrant and refugee communities, and encourages increased screening, hepatitis B vaccination, and linkage to treatment and care to reduce new infections and related deaths. The resolution cites data indicating that African immigrant populations in the U.S. have grown substantially since 1980, that HIV infection rates among African immigrants are considerably higher than in the general U.S. population, and that these communities have some of the highest chronic hepatitis B rates in the country. It also notes barriers such as stigma, language differences, immigration-related fears, and gaps in health surveillance data that can obscure the specific health needs of African immigrant and refugee populations. The measure is primarily symbolic, aimed at raising public and provider awareness rather than mandating specific government action. The bill was introduced on September 8, 2026, by Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As a simple House resolution, if passed it would express the sentiment of the House of Representatives but would not carry the force of law and would not require Senate action or presidential signature. Its next step would be consideration by the committee, which could hold a vote or take no further action.
- Has H.Res. 1516 become law?
- Not yet. As of 8 Sep 2026, H.Res. 1516 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.Res. 1516?
- H.Res. 1516 was sponsored by Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson [D-GA4] (Democrat-GA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.Res. 1516?
- Introduced (8 Sep 2026).
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