---
title: "A resolution expressing support for the designation of November 2022 as \"National Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month\"."
identifier: "117-SRES-792"
congress: 117
bill_number: 792
bill_type: "SRES"
version_code: "is"
version_type: "Introduced in Senate"
bill_url: "https://chamberzero.com/congresses/117/bills/sres/792"
source: "https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-resolution/792"
site: "Chamber Zero"
site_url: "https://chamberzero.com"
rendered_at: "2026-06-04T02:01:55.777Z"
---
Whereas an estimated 1 in every 2,500 individuals in the United States have the genetic disorder alpha–1 antitrypsin deficiency (referred to in this preamble as "Alpha–1");Whereas there are an estimated 19,000,000 carriers of Alpha–1 in the United States who may pass Alpha–1 on to their children;Whereas Alpha–1 can lead to lung destruction and is often misdiagnosed as asthma or smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);Whereas Alpha–1 symptoms relating to the lungs include—(1)shortness of breath;(2)wheezing;(3)chronic bronchitis;(4)recurring chest colds;(5)less exercise tolerance;(6)year-round allergies; and(7)bronchiectasis;Whereas Alpha–1 occurs when there is a lack of a protein in the blood called alpha–1 antitrypsin, which is mainly produced by the liver;Whereas Alpha–1 symptoms relating to the liver include—(1)unexplained liver disease or elevated liver enzymes;(2)eyes and skin turning yellow, known as jaundice;(3)swelling of the abdomen, known as ascites, or legs; and(4)vomiting blood;Whereas Alpha–1 is the most commonly known genetic risk factor for emphysema;Whereas Alpha–1 can affect individuals at any age;Whereas Alpha–1 cannot be diagnosed by symptoms or by a medical examination alone;Whereas individuals who may have Alpha–1 must take a blood test to confirm a diagnosis;Whereas early diagnosis and avoiding risk factors, such as smoking, can help prevent Alpha–1 from causing disease; andWhereas November 2022 would be an appropriate month to designate as National Alpha–1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month to—(1)raise awareness about Alpha–1; and(2)encourage more individuals to get tested for Alpha–1 if they present symptoms: Now, therefore, be itThat the Senate supports the designation of November 2022 as "National Alpha–1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month".