Closing the HPV Testing Gap Act

Bill Number

H.R. 8939

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-20: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T08:06:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Closing the HPV Testing Gap Act (H.R. 8939)

Purpose

This bill directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress on the development of a standardized, noninvasive test for human papillomavirus (HPV) in men. The goal is to address the current lack of an FDA-approved HPV diagnostic test for men, which the bill identifies as a gap in public health efforts related to cancer prevention.

Key Provisions

• Findings: The legislation notes that HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with many HPV-related cancers occurring in men. It highlights the absence of an approved test for men, references a 2023 National Academies report on cancer control, and states that expanding testing could promote gender equity and reduce transmission affecting women's health outcomes, such as cervical cancer.
• Study Requirements: The NIH Director must complete a comprehensive study within 24 months of enactment. The study must assess current scientific knowledge and research gaps, explore testing approaches (including oral, pharyngeal, anal, penile, and urine samples), evaluate feasibility of pilot studies in diverse populations, and develop recommendations for regulatory approval and equitable access.
• Consultation and Coordination: The study requires input from the CDC Director, FDA Commissioner, HRSA Administrator, and National Academy of Medicine, as well as scientific experts and research institutions.
• Interagency Working Group: The NIH Director must establish a working group including representatives from the FDA, CDC, HRSA, and National Academy of Medicine to coordinate implementation.
• Report to Congress: A report must be submitted within 30 months, covering study findings, recommendations for test development and implementation, and strategies for integrating testing into national cancer prevention efforts.
• Funding: The study is to be funded using existing NIH appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces a new statutory requirement for the NIH to perform a specific study and reporting obligation. It does not amend or repeal any existing statutes but adds targeted directives for interagency collaboration on HPV testing research.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Requires coordination among NIH, CDC, FDA, and HRSA, potentially increasing administrative workload and resource allocation for research and regulatory pathways.
• Citizens: Could lead to future development of HPV testing options for men, supporting earlier detection of related cancers and reducing transmission risks, with emphasis on high-risk and underserved communities.
• International Relations: No direct provisions or impacts identified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal agencies: NIH, CDC, FDA, and HRSA.
• Research and medical communities: Scientific experts, research institutions, and the National Academy of Medicine.
• Public health populations: Men at risk for HPV-related cancers, as well as partners potentially affected by transmission.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The legislation operates within existing executive branch authority by directing an agency study without creating new regulatory powers or mandates. It contains no apparent constitutional concerns and focuses on public health research equity rather than altering individual rights or interstate commerce rules.

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

Sponsor

Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

Cosponsors (20)

Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-20: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-05-20: Introduced in House
• 2026-05-20: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Closing the HPV Testing Gap Act — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (6 pages)