Chair Rodgers Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation to Further Research for Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Bilirakis-led bill heads to the President's desk

Washington, D.C. - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statement after the Senate passed H.R. 7189, the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act, unanimously. The bill, led by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), previously passed the House unanimously on September 23, 2024, will now be sent to the President's desk.

"With more than 40,000 babies in the United States born with a heart defect each year, Congress answered the American people's call for action. This bipartisan legislation will support research and education regarding congenital heart disease, as well as the impact heart defects have on individuals throughout every stage of life. I commend Rep. Bilirakis for championing this effort and look forward to the President signing it into law," said Chair Rodgers.

"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, when it is signed into law, it will help future generations live longer, healthier lives," said Congressman Bilirakis.

H.R. 7189 reauthorizes and makes improvements to the national congenital heart disease research, surveillance, and awareness program at the CDC through fiscal year 2029. It passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.