S.Res. 669 is a bipartisan Senate resolution introduced on April 14, 2026, by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE). The resolution designates March as 'Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month' to raise public awareness about these serious but often preventable conditions. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the leg, and can lead to a pulmonary embolism (PE) if the clot travels to the lungs. The resolution highlights the significant health risks associated with DVT and PE, noting that they affect up to 900,000 individuals in the United States each year and cause an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 deaths annually. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing risk factors, such as immobility, surgery, cancer, pregnancy, and family history, and encourages preventive measures like staying active and being aware of symptoms. The resolution was agreed to in the Senate by unanimous consent on April 14, 2026.
Media coverage of S.Res. 669 has been favorable, with outlets highlighting the bipartisan effort to address a significant public health issue. Reports commend the resolution for bringing attention to the dangers of DVT and PE, conditions that are often overlooked despite their prevalence and potential severity. The resolution is praised for promoting education on risk factors and preventive measures, which could lead to a reduction in related deaths. Senator Grassley's remarks emphasize the preventable nature of these conditions and the importance of public awareness campaigns. The resolution's passage is seen as a proactive step toward improving public health outcomes related to blood clots.
While the resolution has been generally well-received, some critiques focus on its symbolic nature, questioning whether it will lead to tangible policy changes or increased funding for research and prevention programs. Critics argue that without accompanying legislative action or resource allocation, the resolution may have limited impact on reducing the incidence of DVT and PE. Additionally, there is concern that awareness months, while beneficial for education, might not address systemic issues in healthcare that contribute to the prevalence of these conditions. However, these critiques are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the resolution.
The bill S.Res. 669, sponsored by Charles Grassley, supports the goals and ideals of 'Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month'. A potential conflict of interest arises from the fact that one of Grassley's top donor industries is Health Professionals, who have donated a total of $1,680,000,000 to him. This industry is directly related to the subject matter of the bill, which could lead to a perception of bias or undue influence. Furthermore, lobbying activity in the bill's policy area has been detected, with several organizations, including the Endometriosis Foundation of America, spending undisclosed amounts. However, it is important to note that the presence of a potential conflict of interest does not necessarily mean that there is actual impropriety.
These industries are both affected by this bill and among the sponsor's top donors.
| Industry | Match Type | Related Subject | Donations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professionals (H01) | Sector | Health | $1,680,000,000 |
| Total from overlapping industries | $1,680,000,000 | ||
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| TALENTBRIDGE | THE WALTER GROUP | $30,000 |
| ENDOMETRIOSIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA | THE WALTER GROUP | $30,000 |
| NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION | NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION | $20,336 |
| ENVELOPE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION | ENVELOPE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION | $20,000 |
| AMERICAN PET PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION | THE BRIGHTUP GROUP LLC | $20,000 |
| INTERNATIONAL HOUSEWARES ASSOCIATION | THE BRIGHTUP GROUP LLC | $20,000 |
| ENDOMETRIOSIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA | THE WALTER GROUP | $20,000 |
| TILE ROOFING INDUSTRY ALLIANCE (FKA-TILE ROOFING INSTITUTE) | THE BRIGHTUP GROUP LLC | $20,000 |
| ASSOCIATION OF NUTRITION & FOODSERVICE PROFESSIONALS (FKA-DIETARY MANAGERS ASSN) | THE BRIGHTUP GROUP LLC | $10,000 |
| NATIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION | THE BRIGHTUP GROUP LLC | $10,000 |
| STELLA-JONES CORPORATION (FORMERLY KNOWN AS MCFARLAND CASCADE HOLDINGS, INC.) | STELLA-JONES CORPORATION (FORMERLY KNOWN AS MCFARLAND CASCADE HOLDINGS, INC.) | undisclosed |
| PALLADYNE AI | ATLANTIC STRATEGIES GROUP LLC | undisclosed |
| CAMPAIGN FOR FAMILY FARMS AND THE ENVIRONMENT | PATRICIA LOVERA | undisclosed |
| CENTER FOR FREEDOM AND PROSPERITY | CENTER FOR FREEDOM AND PROSPERITY | undisclosed |
| JOBS AND CAREERS COALITION (FKA-OA JOBS AND CAREERS COALITION) | THE BRIGHTUP GROUP LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Charles Grassley, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
