Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025
Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025 — Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a nonpartisan congressional watchdog agency, to study and report on esophageal cancer within the federal employee health insurance system. Specifically, it requires two investigations: how much money is being spent on healthcare for federal employees and retirees diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and how frequently high-risk federal employees are getting screened for the disease according to medical guidelines. **Who It Affects and Why It Matters** The bill primarily affects federal employees and retirees who participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which covers about 9 million people.
By studying screening rates and healthcare costs, the bill aims to identify gaps in prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer. The information gathered could help improve awareness, screening practices, and healthcare outcomes for this population. There are no direct costs to implement the bill itself—it simply requires the GAO to conduct and report on the research. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Esophageal Cancer Awareness ActThis bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on (1) the impact of esophageal cancer-related health care spending under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) for federal employees and retirees diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and (2) how often FEHBP participants with a high risk of esophageal cancer undergo screenings according to established guidelines.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.