Bill > HR2178

This bill establishes a comprehensive research program on cerebral palsy (CP) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), addressing a significant neurological disorder that affects over 1 million Americans, including 1 in 345 children. The bill authorizes $5 million annually from 2026 to 2031 to support research focusing on CP diagnosis, treatment, and understanding, recognizing that 80% of CP cases have unknown causes and that 75% of individuals with CP also have additional developmental disabilities. The research program will specifically investigate promising diagnostic and treatment avenues, factors that might reduce CP prevalence, healthcare and societal costs, and conduct public health surveillance. The legislation aims to provide education and training for health professionals and the public about CP's causes, prevalence, and lifelong effects. The bill also mandates evaluations of the research activities to assess their effectiveness across different demographic populations and allows for technical assistance to public and nonprofit entities involved in CP research. By highlighting the significant economic impact (estimated lifetime care costs of over $13.5 billion for CP patients born in 2000) and the potential for treatment breakthroughs, the bill seeks to advance understanding and support for individuals affected by this complex neurological condition.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2178/all-info