STOP Neglected Diseases of Poverty Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to combat neglected diseases of poverty in the United States by enhancing surveillance, treatment access, public awareness, and research through federal coordination and funding.
What it actually does
This bill establishes an Interagency Task Force on Neglected Diseases of Poverty in the United States to coordinate federal efforts, advises on prevention, treatment, and diagnosis, and mandates an initial report on disease prevalence and disparities. It authorizes grants to states for surveillance systems and to Federally Qualified Health Centers for implementing treatment guidelines. Additionally, it directs the development of public and professional educational programs, funds research and development for new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics, and establishes Centers of Excellence for research and training.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill addresses a critical public health crisis affecting millions of vulnerable Americans, particularly racial and ethnic minorities, by implementing a comprehensive strategy that has proven effective in international contexts. They emphasize the cost-effectiveness of early screening and treatment, the need to reduce health disparities, and the importance of coordinated federal action to fill significant gaps in current efforts.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the expansion of federal programs and bureaucracy, arguing that existing agencies could address these issues without new legislation. They may also question the open-ended authorization of appropriations, advocating for more specific budgetary limits to ensure fiscal responsibility.
The bill is relatively short and clearly structured, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core provisions within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 5, adding new Part X, Sec. 399PP
Establishment of Interagency Task Force on Neglected Diseases of Poverty
This provision establishes an Interagency Task Force within the Department of Health and Human Services, comprising representatives from various federal agencies including CDC, FDA, NIH, State, Agriculture, HUD, EPA, and Defense. The task force is charged with providing advice and recommendations to the Secretary and Congress, developing a unified implementation plan, setting goals, coordinating communication, and creating consensus guidelines for healthcare providers regarding neglected diseases of poverty in the United States. It also requires an initial report on disease prevalence, distribution, disparities, risk factors, existing tools, and economic burden.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a coordinated federal response is essential for effectively addressing complex public health issues like neglected diseases of poverty, which span multiple agency jurisdictions. The task force will centralize expertise and create a unified strategy, overcoming fragmentation and leading to more efficient and impactful interventions.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that establishing a new interagency task force could create additional bureaucratic layers and potentially duplicate efforts already underway within existing agencies, leading to inefficiencies rather than streamlined action.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tradeoff between the benefits of centralized coordination for a complex issue and the potential for increased bureaucratic overhead or slower decision-making due to multi-agency involvement.
Section 5, adding new Sec. 399PP-1
State Grants for Disease Surveillance
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to States. These grants are intended to support States in implementing surveillance systems to determine the prevalence, incidence, and distribution of neglected diseases of poverty, with a particular focus on diseases like toxocariasis, cysticercosis, Chagas disease, toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis, and Dengue Fever. The CDC is directed to prioritize geographic locations and communities identified by the Interagency Task Force's initial report as having the highest estimated prevalence or greatest risk.
Section 5, adding new Sec. 399PP-2
Grants for Federally Qualified Health Centers
This provision authorizes the Secretary, through the CDC Director, to award grants or cooperative agreements to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). The purpose of these awards is to enable FQHCs to implement and analyze the consensus guidelines developed by the Interagency Task Force for preventing, diagnosing, and treating neglected diseases of poverty. The bill specifically directs the Secretary to prioritize FQHCs located in geographic areas identified by the Task Force's initial report as having the highest estimated prevalence of, or populations at greatest risk for, these diseases.
Section 5, adding new Sec. 399PP-3
Public and Professional Education Programs
This provision directs the Secretary to develop and implement educational programs aimed at increasing awareness of neglected diseases of poverty. These programs target two main groups: healthcare providers and public health professionals, educating them on risk factors, signs, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies; and the general public, focusing on risk factors, signs, symptoms, and prevention strategies. The Secretary is required to consult with various entities, including the Assistant Secretary for Health, CDC, HRSA, professional organizations, and Centers of Excellence, in developing these programs.
Section 5, adding new Sec. 399PP-4
Research and Development of New Drugs, Vaccines, and Diagnostics
This provision authorizes the Secretary to conduct or support research, investigations, experiments, demonstrations, and studies in health sciences related to neglected diseases of poverty. The focus is on the development of affordable therapeutics (including vaccines), medical diagnostics, and new vector and biological control tools to reduce populations spreading these diseases. This research and development (R&D) is to be consistent with the recommendations of the Interagency Task Force and can be carried out directly by the Secretary or through grants and cooperative agreements to public or private entities.
Section 5, adding new Sec. 399PP-5
Neglected Diseases of Poverty Centers of Excellence
This provision authorizes the Secretary, acting jointly through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to establish or strengthen one or more Centers of Excellence for neglected diseases of poverty. These centers, which must have a demonstrated record of research in this area, will focus on research, training, and the development of diagnosis, prevention, control, and treatment methods. Funds can be used for operating costs, patient care for research, clinical training, R&D programs, epidemiological surveillance, and health education. Support can be provided for up to 5-year periods, with potential extensions.
Section 5, adding new Sec. 399PP-6
Authorization of Appropriations
This provision authorizes the appropriation of "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter to carry out the activities outlined in the new Part X of the Public Health Service Act. This includes funding for the Interagency Task Force, state surveillance grants, FQHC support, educational programs, research and development, and the Centers of Excellence.