Gottheimer unveils bipartisan bills aimed at boosting lung cancer detection, treatment access
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5th Dist.) on Monday announced a package of bipartisan bills intended to expand lung cancer screening, streamline access to care and increase federal investment in research, marking new efforts during Lung Cancer Awareness Month to address the nation’s deadliest cancer.
Speaking on Nov. 24, Gottheimer said the legislation is designed to “cut through red tape,” improve early detection and ensure patients receive more precise and timely treatment.
“There is a vicious killer that is tearing apart families, and too many do not even know that they’re at risk because they don’t think they ‘fit the profile,’” Gottheimer said. “Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in America and across the globe — one in five cancer deaths are from lung cancer. With this month being Lung Cancer Awareness Month, I’m proud to announce new bipartisan action in our fight against lung cancer.”
The legislative package includes:
- • The Benay Taub Lung Cancer Research Act — establishing a federal task force with the National Cancer Institute, NIH and CDC to address gaps in screenings, recommend best practices and ensure adequate funding. The bill is named for lung cancer advocate and Demarest resident Benay Taub.
- • The IMPACT Act (Improving Medicaid Precision and Cancer Testing Act) — a bipartisan proposal requiring Medicaid to cover medically necessary biomarker testing that helps determine the most effective treatment for individual patients. Rep. John Rutherford (R-Fla.) is co-leading the measure.
- “When someone is diagnosed with lung cancer, time is of the essence to find an effective treatment plan,” Rutherford said. “Biomarker testing can help identify what treatment works best for a patient.”
- • The Lung Cancer MAP Act (Medicare Access to Precise Testing Act) — easing restrictions so Medicare patients can access testing earlier in their diagnosis. The bill is co-led by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.).
“I’ve seen firsthand how critical early and accurate information is for patients awaiting diagnosis,” Kiggans said. “I’m proud to join Rep. Gottheimer in introducing the Lung Cancer MAP Act.”
Gottheimer is also backing two additional bipartisan bills targeting women’s lung cancer prevention, expanding access to screenings and removing barriers such as prior authorization.
All three of Gottheimer’s bills are endorsed by the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, LUNGevity, GO2 for Lung Cancer, LungCAN and LiveLung.
Advocates emphasized the importance of expanding both research and access to precision testing.
“Breakthroughs in tumor genetics have transformed lung cancer research, leading to personalized treatments that are helping people live longer than ever before,” said Aubrey Rhodes, executive director of the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. “That’s why biomarker testing at diagnosis and throughout care is so important.”
Dusty Donaldson, executive director of LiveLung and president of the Lung Cancer Action Network, added: “As a 20-year lung cancer survivor and advocate, I am so grateful for Congressman Gottheimer’s leadership. This legislation…has the potential to save tens of thousands of Americans.”
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and globally, claiming more lives annually than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. An estimated 226,650 new U.S. cases are expected in 2025, and lung cancer accounts for the most cancer deaths in New Jersey.
Gottheimer was joined at the announcement by Taub; Englewood Health President and CEO Warren Geller; clinicians and advocates from Englewood Health, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, LUNGevity and LiveLung; and New Jersey State Sen. Gordon Johnson.
Gottheimer criticized recent reductions in federal research programs, noting that legislation passed earlier this year eliminated all funding for the nation’s only dedicated lung cancer research program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.
“No more cutting funding and kicking the can down the road,” he said. “The cure is in front of us — but only if we increase investment.”
