HEART Foundation Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 23, 2026
Bottom line
The HEART Foundation Act creates a new private-public partnership model to boost cardiovascular research funding and coordination, aiming to accelerate discoveries related to heart health.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the Heart Security Foundation, a new federally chartered nonprofit corporation. Its primary purpose is to raise private funds to accelerate cardiovascular research, particularly focusing on high-impact biomarker research linked to early-onset cardiovascular events. The Foundation will provide targeted grants to research institutions, coordinate data with the CDC, and ensure accessibility of validated research findings, while being restricted from political advocacy or direct healthcare provision.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that establishing a federally chartered foundation will leverage private capital more effectively to address critical gaps in cardiovascular research, especially in areas like biomarker discovery for early disease detection. They contend that this model provides a flexible, non-bureaucratic mechanism to fund high-impact research, complementing existing federal efforts and fostering innovation to improve public health outcomes.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that creating a new federally chartered entity adds another layer of bureaucracy and potential for conflicts of interest, especially with private funding sources influencing research priorities. They may contend that existing federal agencies like NIH are already equipped to manage and fund cardiovascular research, and that diverting resources or attention to a new foundation could fragment efforts or lead to less transparent allocation of research funds.
The bill is very short and clear, making it easy for any interested reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2, amending Title IV of the Public Health Service Act, adding Part K, Section 499B(a).
Creation of the Heart Security Foundation
This provision directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Director of NIH, to establish a nonprofit corporation called the Heart Security Foundation. It specifies that the Foundation will be organized under District of Columbia law, is federally chartered, but is not a U.S. agency or instrumentality, and is solely responsible for its own obligations.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that establishing a distinct, federally chartered entity provides a clear legal framework and public recognition, which can enhance its ability to attract private donations and collaborate with federal agencies while maintaining operational independence.
Critics contend
Critics might suggest that creating a new, separate entity, even if not a direct agency, could lead to administrative overhead and potential duplication of efforts with existing NIH institutes or other health foundations.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies in balancing the benefits of a dedicated, agile private-public partnership with the potential for increased administrative complexity and oversight challenges compared to integrating such functions within existing federal structures.
Section 2, amending Title IV of the Public Health Service Act, adding Part K, Section 499B(b).
Defining the Mission of the Heart Security Foundation
This section outlines the core objectives of the Foundation: to raise and manage private funds for cardiovascular research, provide grants to U.S. research institutions, prioritize biomarker research for early-onset cardiovascular events, coordinate data with the CDC, and improve public access to validated research findings, all while adhering to federal ethics standards.
Section 2, amending Title IV of the Public Health Service Act, adding Part K, Section 499B(c) and (d).
Board of Directors and Operational Limitations
This provision establishes a 5-member Board of Directors, appointed by the NIH Director, with specific expertise requirements (e.g., cardiovascular research, genetic biomarker science). The NIH Director serves as a non-voting member. Board members serve 4-year terms, without compensation but with travel reimbursement, and must comply with conflict of interest standards and ensure annual audits. Crucially, the Foundation is explicitly prohibited from engaging in political advocacy, funding community organizing, conducting unrelated public messaging campaigns, or operating as a healthcare provider or insurer.
Directs the Secretary, through the NIH Director, to incorporate the Foundation under District of Columbia law and ensure its establishment as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. It also requires providing for initial operations, including quarters, equipment, and staff.
Section 2, amending Title IV of the Public Health Service Act, adding Part K, Section 499B(i).
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for establishing new entities, detailing the administrative mechanics after the core purpose and governance have been laid out. It's not evasive.
Case for: Supporters would argue this ensures the Foundation is properly constituted, legally sound, and fiscally responsible from its inception, providing a solid operational base for its mission.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against such foundational administrative provisions, as they are necessary for the entity's legal existence.
Estimated impact: Ensures the Foundation can legally operate and receive tax-deductible donations, which is fundamental to its funding model.