First stand-alone federal legislation focused exclusively on esophageal cancer heads to President Trump’s desk

Washington, DC — May 22, 2026 — In one of his final official acts before esophageal cancer cut short his life, Congressman Gerald “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA) made history by introducing the first stand-alone federal legislation focused exclusively on esophageal cancer.

Now, the Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act (H.R. 3490) has officially passed the United States Senate and heads to President Trump’s desk for signature.

The legislation directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study esophageal cancer among federal employees and retirees to better understand risk factors, prevalence, and opportunities for earlier detection and intervention.

Congressman Connolly originally introduced the legislation on May 20, 2025, alongside co-sponsor Congressman James Comer (R-KY). Tragically, Congressman Connolly passed away from esophageal cancer shortly thereafter.

Just hours after news of his death was announced, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held markup on the legislation. In a somber and emotional session, the committee unanimously voted to rename the measure the Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act in honor of the Congressman’s courage and leadership.

The legislation later passed the House of Representatives with unanimous bipartisan support before advancing to the Senate, where it was approved this week.

“This is a truly historic moment for the esophageal cancer community,” said Alyssa O’Driscoll, Executive Director of ECAN. “For the first time, esophageal cancer is being recognized through stand-alone federal legislation. Congressman Connolly’s courage helped bring long-overdue national attention to a disease that is often diagnosed too late. We are deeply grateful to his family and to the bipartisan leaders in Congress who helped carry this legislation forward.”

ECAN also recognized the bipartisan leadership of Representative James Comer (R-KY), Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), along with advocates, patients, caregivers, clinicians, and grassroots supporters across the country who helped advance the bill.

“This achievement belongs to an entire community that refused to let esophageal cancer remain overlooked,” O’Driscoll added. “We hope this legislation marks the beginning of greater national awareness, earlier detection, and stronger investments in research and prevention.”

Esophageal cancer remains one of the fastest-growing and deadliest cancer diagnoses in the United States, with many cases identified at advanced stages. ECAN continues to advocate for prevention, early detection, research funding, and patient support.

About ECAN

ECAN’s mission is to save lives by 1) increasing awareness about the link between reflux disease and esophageal cancer, 2) promoting early detection, 3) supporting medical innovation to prevent, detect, treat, and cure esophageal cancer, and 4) providing patients and families with the latest, most reliable medical information and compassionate support.

Learn more at ecan.org.

Media Contact

Alyssa O’Driscoll
Executive Director
The Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN)
alyssa@ecan.org
ecan.org