Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3490
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-96
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-09: Became Public Law No: 119-96.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T00:58:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 3490
Purpose
This legislation directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate esophageal cancer-related health care costs and screening practices within the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. It also includes congressional findings on the disease's rising incidence and risks to highlight the need for awareness and early detection.
Key Provisions
- Short title: Designates the Act as the "Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025."
- Findings: Lists 11 points on esophageal cancer, including its rapid growth among American men and younger adults, low survival rates, prevention through Barrett's esophagus detection, and screening guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association for those with risk factors such as male sex, age 50 or older, smoking, obesity, or family history.
- GAO report requirement: Mandates a report to Congress within one year of enactment that assesses:
- Total esophageal cancer-related spending under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program for affected federal employees and retirees.
- How frequently high-risk individuals under the program receive screenings per established guidelines.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The Act introduces no amendments to current statutes. It adds a new reporting obligation for the Government Accountability Office focused on one federal health program, without altering benefits, eligibility, or other cancer-related policies.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Requires the Government Accountability Office to compile data on spending and screening, which could inform future oversight or recommendations for the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.
- Citizens: May indirectly affect federal employees and retirees by highlighting gaps in screening, potentially leading to improved access or awareness efforts, though no immediate changes to coverage are mandated.
- International relations: None identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal employees and retirees enrolled in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.
- The Government Accountability Office, tasked with producing the report.
- Congress, as the recipient of the report and author of the findings.
- Individuals with esophageal cancer risk factors, along with survivors, caregivers, and medical providers referenced in the findings.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The legislation operates within Congress's authority to direct agency reports and does not raise constitutional concerns. It uses findings to emphasize disease awareness without creating new rights or obligations. The naming after a specific individual serves as a tribute but carries no legal effect.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-09: Became Public Law No: 119-96.
- 2026-06-09: Became Public Law No: 119-96.
- 2026-06-09: Signed by President.
- 2026-06-09: Signed by President.
- 2026-05-29: Presented to President.
- 2026-05-29: Presented to President.
- 2026-05-20: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2026-05-20: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2397-2398)
- 2026-05-20: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-05-20: Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-05-20: Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-04: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2025-06-03: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-06-03: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2390-2391)
- 2025-06-03: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2390-2391)
Bill Versions
- Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-03 — PDF (6 pages)
- Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025 — issued 2026-05-22 — PDF (2 pages)
- Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act — issued 2025-05-19 — PDF (4 pages)
- Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-04 — PDF (4 pages)