To reauthorize the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009.
Latest action (20 Jul 2026): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 6 (Roll no. 250).
What this bill does
H.R. 4541 would extend and update two federal public health programs related to breast and cervical cancer. Title I reauthorizes the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act of 2009 through 2031, continuing federal support for education and awareness efforts on breast health and cancer risk in younger women. Title II, the SCREENS for Cancer Act, revises the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program by broadening its purposes to include cancer prevention, reducing health disparities, and improving access to screening and diagnostic services. It also changes reporting requirements—shifting from annual to periodic reports every five years, with the relevant Senate committee updated to Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions—and authorizes $235.5 million annually for the program for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The bill also requires a GAO study, due by September 30, 2027, assessing program reach, participation trends, and barriers to screening access.
The bill primarily affects federal health agencies administering these programs, state and local grantees that run screening and education services, and the women—particularly those from underserved or high-risk populations—who rely on these programs for breast and cervical cancer screening and education.
H.R. 4541 passed the House on July 20, 2026, by a vote of 394–6, under a procedure requiring a two-thirds majority. It now goes to the Senate for consideration before it could be sent to the President.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill reauthorizes and revises programs of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that support services and education addressing breast and cervical cancer.
The bill reauthorizes through FY2030 and makes changes to the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This program provides grants to states for breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services for individuals who have low incomes, are uninsured, or otherwise lack access to such services. The bill increases flexibility in how states may spend grant funds under the program.
The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the work of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, including the number of individuals served and barriers to accessing screenings.
Also, the bill reauthorizes through FY2031 CDC programs relating to young women’s awareness of breast health and breast cancer. These programs include campaigns to educate young women and health care professionals, research on preventing breast cancer in younger women, and grants for resources and services to young women diagnosed with breast cancer and precancerous conditions.
Timeline
20 Jul 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 6 (Roll no. 250).
21 May 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4541 do?
- H.R. 4541 would extend and update two federal public health programs related to breast and cervical cancer. Title I reauthorizes the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act of 2009 through 2031, continuing federal support for education and awareness efforts on breast health and cancer risk in younger women. Title II, the SCREENS for Cancer Act, revises the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program by broadening its purposes to include cancer prevention, reducing health disparities, and improving access to screening and diagnostic services. It also changes reporting requirements—shifting from annual to periodic reports every five years, with the relevant Senate committee updated to Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions—and authorizes $235.5 million annually for the program for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The bill also requires a GAO study, due by September 30, 2027, assessing program reach, participation trends, and barriers to screening access. The bill primarily affects federal health agencies administering these programs, state and local grantees that run screening and education services, and the women—particularly those from underserved or high-risk populations—who rely on these programs for breast and cervical cancer screening and education. H.R. 4541 passed the House on July 20, 2026, by a vote of 394–6, under a procedure requiring a two-thirds majority. It now goes to the Senate for consideration before it could be sent to the President.
- Has H.R. 4541 become law?
- Not yet. As of 20 Jul 2026, H.R. 4541 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 4541?
- H.R. 4541 was sponsored by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz [D-FL25] (Democrat-FL), with 20 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4541?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 6 (Roll no. 250). (20 Jul 2026).
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