KO Cancer Act

Bill Number: H.R. 3873
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Health
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-06-10: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2025-10-11T08:05:19Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Knock Out Cancer Act (H.R. 3873) seeks to boost funding for cancer research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, to better align with cancer's high mortality rates in the U.S. It also aims to investigate and address shortages of cancer drugs to improve access to treatments.

Key Provisions

Short Title: The bill is titled the "Knock Out Cancer Act" or "KO Cancer Act."
Findings: Congress outlines key facts, including:
Cancer as a leading global cause of death, affecting nearly every American directly or indirectly.
Cancer causing about 1 in 4 U.S. deaths since 2000, totaling over 15 million lives.
Benefits of raising awareness for early detection and survival improvements.
Role of scientific research in developing treatments, controls, and cures.
NCI's leadership in cancer breakthroughs.
Need for substantial funding increases, potentially tripling current levels, to tackle mortality and patient impacts.
Increased Funding for NCI (Section 3): For fiscal years 2026 through 2030, an additional appropriation equal to 25% of the NCI's total fiscal year 2022 funding level. These funds are drawn from general Treasury funds not otherwise allocated, remain available until spent, and are in addition to the NCI's regular budget.
Study and Report on Cancer Drug Shortages (Section 4):
The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, must conduct a study on causes of cancer drug shortages, including economic factors, supply chain issues, delays in drug development and FDA approval, and shortages of generic drugs or biosimilar products (lower-cost alternatives to brand-name biologics).
A report with study findings and recommendations must be submitted to relevant congressional committees within one year of enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Introduces new mandatory appropriations for the NCI, providing a fixed additional funding stream tied to the 2022 baseline, which supplements (rather than replaces) existing budgets. This is a departure from typical annual appropriations processes.
Establishes a one-time federal study and reporting requirement on cancer drug shortages, with no prior equivalent mandate in current law. This could lead to future policy adjustments based on recommendations.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The NCI will receive extra resources for research, potentially expanding programs on treatments and therapies. HHS and FDA will need to allocate staff and resources for the drug shortage study, possibly influencing regulatory priorities.
On Citizens: Increased funding could accelerate cancer research, leading to earlier detections, better treatments, and higher survival rates, benefiting the millions affected by cancer. Addressing drug shortages may improve access to affordable medications, reducing treatment disruptions for patients.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. cancer research could strengthen global leadership in medical innovations, indirectly aiding international collaborations on health challenges.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Cancer Patients and Families: Primary beneficiaries through potential advances in detection, treatments, and drug availability.
Healthcare Providers and Researchers: NCI-funded scientists and clinicians gain resources for innovation; awareness efforts could aid early diagnosis.
Government Entities: NCI, NIH, HHS, and FDA face new funding and study obligations; Congress receives reports for oversight.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Drug manufacturers and suppliers may be scrutinized in the shortage study, potentially facing new regulations or incentives for generics and biosimilars.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: The bill uses Congress's power to appropriate funds directly from the Treasury, which is standard but could face scrutiny in budget reconciliation if it conflicts with overall fiscal limits. The study mandate imposes a clear deadline and scope, enforceable through congressional oversight.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's enumerated powers under Article I to spend for the general welfare, particularly public health. No apparent conflicts with separation of powers, as it directs executive agencies without overriding judicial roles.
Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Rep. Fitzpatrick and Rep. Dingell) signals broad support for health funding. It emphasizes non-partisan issues like mortality reduction, but the fixed funding increase could spark debates on federal spending priorities amid competing budget needs.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

Recent Actions

2025-06-10: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-06-10: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-06-10: Introduced in House
2025-06-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Knock Out Cancer Act — issued 2025-06-10 — PDF (4 pages)