H.R.3490 - Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3490, the Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025, directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce a report on esophageal cancer. The report will evaluate the impact of esophageal cancer-related healthcare spending under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). It will also assess the frequency of screening for high-risk individuals covered by FEHBP, according to established guidelines.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to increase awareness and early detection of esophageal cancer. The GAO report will provide data to inform policy decisions related to healthcare spending and screening practices. This could lead to improved screening programs and better outcomes for federal employees and retirees at risk for esophageal cancer.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of esophageal cancer and its risk factors.
- Improved early detection rates through enhanced screening programs.
- Better understanding of healthcare spending related to esophageal cancer within the FEHBP.
- Data-driven policy decisions to improve healthcare outcomes for federal employees and retirees.
- Potential for reduced healthcare costs in the long term through early intervention.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The GAO report may reveal inefficiencies in the FEHBP, potentially leading to increased premiums for federal employees.
- The Act places an additional burden on the GAO, potentially diverting resources from other important oversight activities.
- Increased screening may lead to false positives, causing unnecessary anxiety and medical procedures.
- The report's findings may not be generalizable to the broader population outside of the FEHBP.
- The Act does not directly address the underlying causes of esophageal cancer or provide funding for research.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve public health. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to federal employee benefits, which falls under its enumerated powers. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).