Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act of 2025
Summary
The "Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act of 2025" aims to ensure a specific percentage of federal cancer research funds are dedicated to pediatric cancer research. This percentage is determined by the ratio of individuals under 18 to the total US population, as calculated by the Bureau of the Census. The act mandates this allocation for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years.
The bill seeks to address the perceived disparity in funding for pediatric versus adult cancer research. It intends to provide more resources for research into cancers affecting children.
If enacted, this bill would directly influence the distribution of federal cancer research funds, potentially shifting resources towards pediatric cancer research initiatives.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this act would be a reallocation of federal cancer research funding. A proportion of funds, determined by the ratio of the under-18 population to the total population, would be earmarked for pediatric cancer research. This could lead to increased research efforts and potential breakthroughs in treating childhood cancers.
This reallocation might also affect the funding available for research into adult cancers, depending on the overall budget allocated to cancer research.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for pediatric cancer research.
- Potential for new treatments and cures for childhood cancers.
- Improved outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer.
- Greater focus on the unique characteristics of pediatric cancers.
- Alignment of research funding with the proportion of the population affected by pediatric cancers.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential reduction in funding for adult cancer research.
- Possible delays in research progress for adult cancers.
- Administrative burden of calculating and allocating funds based on population ratios.
- Risk of unintended consequences if the population ratio fluctuates significantly.
- The act does not guarantee overall increases in cancer research funding, only reallocation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the health and well-being of children. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States.
However, the specific allocation of funds is a policy decision within the purview of Congress. The act does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
It is important to note that the constitutionality of the bill would likely depend on whether the allocation of funds is deemed a reasonable and necessary means to promote the general welfare.
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).