Reps. Bilirakis, Soto, Carter, and Schiff Introduce Bill to Help Patients with Congenital Heart Disease
Washington, DC: Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the House, along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Todd Young (R-IN) in the Senate, have introduced the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes funding for critical research and awareness efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the causes, prevention, and development of better treatments for patients suffering with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). Despite remarkable medical advancements that have helped patients with CHD improve their quality and length of life, nearly 40,000 babies are born with this condition each year. It is the most common birth defect and remains the number one cause of birth defect-related deaths in America. As CHD patient life expectancy has increased, there are now more adults than children living with CHD in the United States, with approximately 2 million adults living with these conditions. The lack of specialized routine care leaves this patient population susceptible to costly health care episodes or detrimental health impacts. The National Congenital Heart Disease Research, Surveillance, and Awareness Program is desperately needed to further the understanding of this condition and investigate the impact congenital heart defects have throughout patients' lifespans, with the ultimate goal of developing lifelong, specialized care for patients with congenital heart defects. The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act will extend this program through Fiscal Year 2029.
"As a co-founder of the Congenital Heart Caucus, I’ve become familiar with the struggles patients with congenital heart disease and their families face. Our legislation will bring us one step closer to enhancing better treatment options and improving outcomes for all patients suffering with this condition. We’ve seen that this program yields positive results, and I urge my colleagues to join us as we work to help future generations live longer, healthier lives," said Congressman Bilirakis.
“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024. It is crucial that we continue advocating for heart disease research and support monitoring programs,” said Congressman Soto.
“Patients battling congenital heart disease (CHD) deserve the highest quality care and treatments. By reauthorizing this critical funding for research and awareness, we can save lives and improve quality of life for the millions of children and adults who live with CHD. As a health care professional, ensuring that all individuals have the best health outcomes possible is one of my top priorities, and this bill helps us realize that goal,” said Rep. Buddy Carter.
“The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization will support critical research, education and awareness for congenital heart disease (CHD) which remains a leading cause of infant mortality,” said Rep Schiff. “This bipartisan effort underscores our commitment to a future where every individual with CHD has the support and resources to thrive beyond their diagnosis. I thank Rep. Bilirakis and look forward to getting this bill reauthorized because there is still more we need to do to help these families.”
The Adult Congenital Heart Association, Conquering CHD, Mending Little Hearts, and the Children’s Heart Foundation all support this priority legislation.