Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5160
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 629.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T19:26:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation reauthorizes the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005. It extends federal support for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory to maintain access to stem cell and cord blood units for transplants.
Key Provisions
- Funding reauthorization: Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize $31,009,000 (with an additional $33,009,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031) for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program.
- Cord blood inventory updates: Changes the target from a fixed minimum of 150,000 new high-quality units to a "sufficient supply" determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- Contract and management flexibility: Removes perpetual contract language, allows transfer of units between qualified banks if a bank ceases operations or fails standards, and requires consideration of current scientific and clinical information when awarding or extending contracts.
- New inventory management authority: Directs the Secretary to manage the size and composition of the inventory for clinical utility, genetic diversity, and efficient resource use, including determinations on storage or disposition based on evidence.
- Updated definition: Defines "high-quality cord blood unit" as one meeting current industry standards and Food and Drug Administration requirements.
- Authorization period: Extends funding for cord blood activities through fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Replaces a specific numerical target for cord blood units with discretionary authority for the Secretary to determine adequate supply levels.
- Introduces explicit provisions for transferring units and managing inventory based on scientific, clinical, or operational factors.
- Updates contract duration rules to prioritize best available science rather than fixed long-term commitments.
- Increases annual funding levels and shifts the authorization window forward by five years.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Expands administrative discretion for the Department of Health and Human Services in inventory oversight and contract decisions.
- Citizens: Aims to sustain availability of transplantable cord blood units for patients with blood disorders or other conditions requiring stem cell therapy.
- International relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Patients and families needing stem cell or cord blood transplants.
- Qualified cord blood banks and entities participating in the National Cord Blood Inventory.
- The Department of Health and Human Services and its Secretary.
- Medical providers and researchers in transplantation and regenerative medicine.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill contains no provisions raising constitutional concerns. It maintains the existing regulatory framework under the Public Health Service Act while granting the Secretary additional flexibility in program administration.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Cosponsors (21)
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 629.
- 2026-07-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-724.
- 2026-07-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-724.
- 2026-05-21: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
- 2026-05-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-05-13: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-05-13: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-04: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-09-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-09-04: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-04 — PDF (2 pages)
- Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2026-07-02 — PDF (8 pages)