Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 1806

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-03: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-06-27T20:41:19Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025 aims to increase research, education, and awareness about triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer that lacks certain receptors (estrogen, progesterone, and excess HER2 protein), making it harder to treat with targeted therapies. The bill highlights health disparities, especially among minority women, and seeks to improve early detection, treatment options, and data collection to address gaps in knowledge and care.

Key Provisions

• Findings: The bill outlines congressional findings on breast cancer statistics, including its prevalence (1 in 4 cancer diagnoses in women), survival rates (higher for early detection), and TNBC specifics—such as its aggressiveness, higher rates in African-American and Hispanic women (10-20% of cases, up to 3 times more likely in African-American women), and treatment challenges relying on surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. It notes insufficient data on prevalence, costs, and prevention/cure methods for minority women.

• Research Expansion (Section 417B(a)): Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate research on TNBC. This will be conducted through specific NIH components, including the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the Office of Research on Women's Health, and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The Office of Research on Women's Health will oversee coordination. Authorizes necessary funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.

• Public Education Program (Section 417B(b)): Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to create and distribute public information on TNBC, covering its incidence and prevalence, elevated risks for minority women, and available treatment options (where medically appropriate). Information can be shared directly or via partnerships with nonprofits, consumer groups, universities, government agencies, or media. Authorizes necessary funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.

• Information for Health Care Providers (Section 417B(c)): Requires the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop and share updated information with health care providers on TNBC, emphasizing risks for minority women and treatment options to keep providers informed. Authorizes necessary funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.

• Definition (Section 417B(d)): Defines "minority women" as women from racial and ethnic minority groups, referencing an existing definition in the Public Health Service Act.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill inserts a new section (417B) into Subpart I of Part C of Title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285 et seq.), which previously focused on general breast cancer research and related programs. This addition specifically targets TNBC for the first time, mandating dedicated research coordination, public education, and provider outreach—areas not explicitly addressed before. It introduces new funding authorizations but does not guarantee appropriations, leaving actual funding to future congressional budgets.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: NIH, CDC, and HRSA will gain new responsibilities for research, education, and information dissemination, potentially increasing workloads and requiring coordination across institutes. This could enhance federal focus on women's health and disparities but depends on allocated funds.

• On Citizens: Particularly benefits women, especially African-American, Hispanic, and other minority groups at higher risk for TNBC, by improving access to education, early detection resources, and treatments. Overall, it may lead to better survival rates through advanced research and awareness, addressing gaps in prevention and care for aggressive cancers.

• On International Relations: No direct impacts mentioned; the bill is focused on domestic U.S. public health initiatives.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Women and Patients: Especially minority women under 50, who face higher TNBC risks and disparities in diagnosis and survival.
• Health Care Providers: Physicians, clinics, and hospitals that will receive updated TNBC information to improve screening and treatment.
• Researchers and Institutions: NIH-affiliated scientists and organizations focused on cancer, women's health, and minority disparities, who will conduct expanded studies.
• Nonprofits and Advocacy Groups: Organizations involved in breast cancer awareness, which can partner in education efforts.
• Government Health Agencies: NIH, CDC, HRSA, and related offices, which must implement and coordinate the programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens existing public health frameworks by embedding TNBC-specific mandates into federal law, promoting evidence-based research without overriding state authority on health care delivery. Authorizations for funding (rather than direct appropriations) allow flexibility but require future legislative action, potentially leading to implementation delays if budgets are not approved.

• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's enumerated powers under the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8) to fund health research and promote general welfare, with no apparent conflicts to federalism or individual rights.

• Political: Addresses health equity and racial disparities in cancer care, which could foster bipartisan support given breast cancer's broad impact. It signals a policy priority on minority health outcomes but may spark debates on funding priorities amid competing health needs. No controversial elements like mandates on private entities are included.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]

Cosponsors (13)

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-03: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-03-03: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-03: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-03 — PDF (7 pages)