In his final official act before Esophageal Cancer cut short his life, Congressman Gerald Connolly (D-Va) made history by introducing a bill focused exclusively on Esophageal Cancer. No legislation focused on Esophageal Cancer has ever made its way to either chamber of the U.S. Congress.

On May 20, 2025, Connolly and co-sponsor Congressman James Comer (R-KY) announced the introduction of a bill originally called the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act.  But Congressman Connolly didn’t live to see his bill considered.  Esophageal Cancer took the Congressman’s life the following morning.

The bill was slated for markup in the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee mere hours after news of the Congressman’s death was announced. In a very somber session, the House Oversight Committee voted to rename the bill the Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act and approved the bill on a unanimous 42-0 vote.  The amendment to rename the bill was offered by the bill’s co-sponsor, James Comer, Chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Congressman James Comer (R-KY)
Chairman, House Oversight Committee Meeting on May 21, 2025.

Earlier this year, Congressman Connolly introduced a Resolution in the House of Representives declaring April Esophageal Cancer awareness month. At the time he announced introduction of the bill, he made it clear that he believed it is important for our EC community to continue our quest to end Esophageal Cancer. In introducing the bill, Congressman Connolly said, “It is vital that we all do our part to raise awareness and push for more research and more effective prevention efforts. I am immensely grateful to my colleague, Chairman Comer, for joining me in introducing this important legislation today. Together, we will fight to end esophageal cancer, bringing hope to thousands of American families.”

What the Act Does
The Gerald E. Connelly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on key issues related to Esophageal Cancer. ECAN was honored to be consulted by congressional staff regarding the most valuable information such a report could provide and strongly supports the measure.

The GAO report will examine available treatment options, public awareness efforts regarding risk factors and symptoms, initiatives to improve patient quality of life, federal health care spending for Esophageal Cancer under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, and screening rates among high-risk individuals within the FEHB system.

For instance, the bill requires the GAO to study how often FEHB enrollees undergo endoscopy when their medical records indicate three or more of the stated risk factors for Esophageal Cancer, as recommended by current guidelines. ECAN believes the results will provide valuable information about the gaps in screening and prevention of this deadly cancer.

You can read the text of the legislation here.

Pledge of Bipartisan Support
“It is vital that we all do our part to raise awareness and push for more research and more effective prevention efforts because esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest and fastest-growing cancer diagnoses among Americans today,” said Chairman Comer.  “The Act is a crucial, bipartisan bill that will bring to light the devastating impact of esophageal cancer on the federal workforce and their families. I urge members of Congress to join us in the fight to end esophageal cancer,” he said. 

ECAN will advocate for the passage of HR 3490 and keep our community updated on all the ways you can get involved.