POPCaP Authorization Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 8553

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-04-28: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-06-08T17:33:12Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 8553

Purpose

This legislation directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a precision oncology program focused on prostate cancer, with the goal of improving genetic testing, clinical trials, and specialized care for eligible veterans.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment: Adds a new section to title 38 of the U.S. Code requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to set up the Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate (referred to as the Program), including designation of Centers of Excellence and a central leadership team.
• Eligibility: Open to veterans already enrolled in the VA system who have prostate cancer or certain non-prostate genitourinary cancers.
• Centers of Excellence: Requires at least 21 designated medical facilities, with at least one per Veterans Integrated Service Network and at least seven having a genitourinary program. Initially designates 28 specific VA facilities. Each center must meet staffing minimums (such as oncologists, radiologists, and research staff) and perform activities like genetic sequencing, telemedicine tumor boards, and trial participation.
• Program Leadership: Establishes a team at the Seattle VA Medical Center to handle coordination, registry maintenance, trial development, and a uniform genetic sequencing platform.
• Performance and Oversight: Mandates performance reviews starting in 2030, with protections for existing prostate cancer functions and funding at centers until at least 2030. Requires annual reports to Congress on funding, participation, survival rates, and research outcomes.
• Funding: Authorizes $15.5 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.
• Implementation: Requires an implementation plan within 60 days of enactment, covering staffing, contracting, and coordination with review boards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new section (7330E) in chapter 73 of title 38, United States Code, creating a structured national program for precision oncology. It adds requirements for ongoing designation of centers, performance evaluations, and reporting that did not previously exist in this form. It also includes temporary protections against reducing staff or funding for related functions at designated centers.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Increases administrative and operational responsibilities for the VA, including new staffing, data management, and coordination across facilities. Requires ongoing congressional reporting and implementation planning.
• On Citizens: Enhances access for eligible veterans to advanced genetic testing, clinical trials, and specialized care, potentially improving outcomes for prostate and related cancers through better coordination and support like travel assistance.
• On International Relations: No direct effects identified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Veterans with prostate cancer or non-prostate genitourinary cancers.
• VA medical facilities and staff, including oncologists, radiologists, urologists, pathologists, and research personnel.
• VA leadership and program administrators.
• Congressional committees on Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The bill operates within the VA's existing authority under title 38 and does not appear to raise constitutional concerns. It emphasizes structured oversight through designated centers and reporting requirements, with built-in mechanisms for review and potential termination of designations after a minimum period.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3]

Recent Actions

• 2026-04-28: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
• 2026-04-28: Introduced in House
• 2026-04-28: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate Authorization Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-28 — PDF (16 pages)