Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Representative John James (MI-10) is celebrating the passage of his Sickle Cell Disease Research Reauthorization Act through the House of Representatives. This bill was included in H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. This is James’ 10^th legislative item to pass the House.

The bill is co-led by Representatives Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), and Marc Veasey (TX-33). Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are leading an identical bill in the Senate.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder predominantly affecting African Americans, Latinos, and other minority groups. Individuals with SCD have a significantly lower life expectancy than the overall population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sickle cell affects approximately 100,000 individuals in the United States. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program, which was last reauthorized in 2018. The program provides research funding for prevention and treatment of SCD. 

“Sickle cell disease research is critical to treatment and prevention, and I am grateful that the House passed this bill with such far reaching impacts. This disease has touched the lives of so many, especially in our Black community — including thousands in Michigan,” said Rep. James. “In Ranger school, I learned to never leave a fallen comrade behind. This bill ensures we don’t leave our vulnerable behind by getting funding to those that need it. It cuts through the noise, delivering funding for research, like game-changing gene therapies, and better data to empower families with real solutions. It’s about giving people the tools to fight back, not leaving them to fend for themselves, and I am proud that this bill will help to do exactly that.”

Congresswoman Kiggans (VA-02) said, “The Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program is a lifeline for the roughly 100,000 Americans living with this debilitating disease. I am proud to join Rep. James in the effort to reauthorize this vital program, and I’m glad to see its inclusion in the Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations bill. This funding will expand access to high-quality care and support the patients around the country that need it most.”

“The House’s passage of this bill is another step forward for individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Continued support for research is essential to driving innovation, improving care, and easing the burden on patients and the health care system,” said Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). “I’m pleased to see this bill move forward and remain committed to advancing solutions for the treatment of sickle cell disease.”

“For years, we’ve fought to bring real attention and real resources to sickle cell disease — and this funding continues that fight,” said Congressman Veasey (TX-33), a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. “By securing this funding, we are protecting lifesaving research, expanding access to high-quality care, and making sure patients aren’t left behind simply because their disease has been ignored for too long. This is about equity, dignity, and ensuring families get the care they deserve.”

“Sickle cell disease is a painful and often debilitating condition. I’m proud that this bill passed in the House, which marks a critical step toward ensuring that patients with this inherited blood disorder receive the comprehensive, coordinated care they urgently need. It’s past time that we prioritize the health and well-being of those impacted by sickle cell disease, especially Black Americans who are disproportionately affected. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

###