A bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) to reauthorize research into congenital heart disease (CHD) has been signed into law, reinforcing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the fight against the condition.
The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 reauthorizes funding for researching CHD's causes, prevention, and treatment through Fiscal Year 2029, as the National Congenital Heart Disease Research, Surveillance, and Awareness Program continues seeking the development of creating a specialized lifelong care program for those affected by the condition.
As Rep. Bilirakis's press release explained, CHD affects nearly 40,000 newborns every year, making it one of the most common birth defects and birth defect-related deaths in the United States. Thankfully, however, more adults (approximately 2 million) are living with CHD than children are being born with it, a clear indicator that research into the condition is improving the life expectancy of these individuals.
"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. This new law brings 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 look forward to it continuing to help future generations live longer, healthier lives," said the Florida Congressman.
Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA), one of the bill's cosponsors, said, "During my career as a pharmacist, I've seen nothing short of miracles as a result of research and development. For the two million patients suffering with Congenital Heart Disease in America, relief – in the form of a cure or treatment – can't come soon enough. I'm proud to sponsor this bipartisan bill, which is now law, to help get CHD patients the help they deserve and will continue to promote policies that lead to better health care outcomes for all Americans."
Last week, Bilirakis introduced a similar bill to ease the regulatory process between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and specialists in rare diseases, improving the speed at which treatments can be developed for uncommon illnesses.
