Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act
Summary
The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance research and programs related to asthma. It focuses on improving data collection, public education, and state strategic planning for asthma control. The act authorizes appropriations of $70 million for fiscal years 2025-2029 to support these activities through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Expected Effects
This act is likely to improve asthma management and reduce related health disparities. It will enhance the CDC's ability to collect and disseminate data, support state-level asthma control programs, and collaborate with non-profit organizations. The increased funding and focus on research could lead to better treatment strategies and prevention methods.
Potential Benefits
- Improved data collection and reporting on asthma prevalence and severity.
- Enhanced public education and awareness regarding asthma triggers and management.
- Development of state strategic plans for asthma control, particularly for disproportionately affected populations.
- Increased collaboration between the CDC, state health departments, and non-profit organizations.
- Potential reduction in asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and mortality.
Potential Disadvantages
- The act may increase federal spending, potentially impacting the national budget.
- Increased data collection could raise concerns about data privacy, despite provisions to prevent individually identifiable information from being published.
- The effectiveness of the act depends on the successful implementation of state strategic plans and collaboration among various stakeholders.
- There may be challenges in ensuring consistent methodology for data collection across different states.
- The act's impact on reducing asthma disparities may be limited if underlying socioeconomic factors are not addressed.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to enact legislation related to public health under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), as asthma-related healthcare costs and lost productivity affect interstate commerce. The act's focus on data collection and reporting is consistent with the government's role in providing information to the public.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).