A bipartisan push in Congress could extend a critical program that helps connect patients with lifesaving stem cell treatments.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) is co-leading legislation to reauthorize the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act, a federal law that has supported more than 135,000 stem cell and bone marrow transplants since it was first passed in 2005.
The proposal, introduced alongside Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-4), would extend the program through 2031 and authorize $280 million over five years to continue support for two major initiatives:
- The C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program, which connects patients with volunteer donors
- The National Cord Blood Inventory (NCBI), which collects high-quality cord blood units often used in pediatric treatments
"These programs give patients -- especially children -- real hope," Tenney said in a statement. "By continuing this investment, we're ensuring they can find a match when they need it most."
The national donor network now includes more than 42 million potential donors and 760,000 cord blood units. The NCBI alone holds nearly 119,000 units.
The reauthorization aims to improve access, reduce barriers to treatment, and expand research -- without relying on embryo-destructive methods.