H.R.1796 - Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1796, the Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2025, aims to reauthorize and amend the Public Health Service Act concerning sickle cell disease. The bill focuses on enhancing treatment and prevention efforts related to sickle cell disease and its complications. It also increases funding for these programs and broadens the scope of eligible activities.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased funding and resources for sickle cell disease research, surveillance, prevention, and treatment programs. This may result in improved patient outcomes and a better understanding of heritable blood disorders. The changes also allow for grants and cooperative agreements, providing more flexibility in how funds are distributed.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Healthcare Access: Increased funding can lead to better access to treatment and preventative care for individuals with sickle cell disease.
- Enhanced Research: The bill supports further research into the causes and potential cures for heritable blood disorders.
- Expanded Program Scope: By including complications of sickle cell disease, the bill addresses a broader range of patient needs.
- Increased Funding: The reauthorization provides a significant increase in funding, ensuring the continuation and expansion of vital programs.
- Flexibility in Funding Distribution: Allowing grants and cooperative agreements broadens the types of entities that can receive funding.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Scope: The bill primarily focuses on sickle cell disease, potentially neglecting other heritable blood disorders.
- Funding Allocation Concerns: There may be concerns about the equitable distribution of funds among different programs and regions.
- Potential for Inefficient Spending: Increased funding without proper oversight could lead to inefficient use of resources.
- Lack of Specific Implementation Details: The bill lacks specific details on how the programs will be implemented and evaluated.
- Opportunity Cost: Increased funding for this program may come at the expense of other public health initiatives.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the US Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the health and well-being of the population. Specifically, this bill amends the Public Health Service Act, which falls under the purview of Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the general welfare through public health initiatives.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution or its amendments. It aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes for individuals with sickle cell disease, which aligns with the government's responsibility 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).