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HEARD Act of 2025

3/27/2025, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1750

Bill 119 HR 1750, also known as the "Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Act of 2021," aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to increase funding for research on rare diseases and conditions that disproportionately impact minority populations. The bill seeks to address the disparities in healthcare outcomes and access faced by minority communities by investing in research that specifically targets these populations.

The proposed legislation would allocate additional resources to support research on rare diseases and conditions that have a higher prevalence among minority groups. By focusing on these specific health issues, the bill aims to improve the understanding of these diseases and develop more effective treatments and interventions for affected individuals.

In addition to funding research on rare diseases, the bill also includes provisions to support initiatives that aim to reduce health disparities among minority populations. This includes efforts to improve access to healthcare services, promote health education and awareness, and address social determinants of health that contribute to disparities in healthcare outcomes. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1750 seeks to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by minority populations by increasing investments in research and initiatives that target rare diseases and conditions that disproportionately affect these communities. By prioritizing the health needs of minority populations, the bill aims to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in healthcare access and quality.

Congressional Summary of HR 1750

Health Equity and Rare Disease Act of 2025 or the HEARD Act of 2025

This bill establishes Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants and other initiatives to address rare diseases or conditions (e.g., those affecting less than 200,000 people in the United States) in racial and ethnic minority populations. 

For example, to advance such purposes, the bill establishes within HHS

  • grants to public and private nonprofit entities for data collection and public outreach,
  • grants to health professions schools to improve health care and minority representation in research regarding rare diseases and conditions,
  • grants to tribal epidemiology centers and tribal and urban Indian health centers for research regarding rare diseases and conditions in tribal communities,
  • scholarships and educational loan repayment for medical school students who agree to work as health care professionals serving populations with rare diseases or conditions,
  • initiatives to coordinate research and other activities across the National Institutes of Health, and
  • public health awareness and education campaigns.

Also, the bill requires HHS to submit various reports to Congress on topics including (1) the federal government’s research and public health activities regarding rare diseases or conditions in minority populations, (2) regulatory barriers to treating rare diseases in Medicare beneficiaries of color, and (3) strategies for research and development of treatments for rare diseases or conditions that disproportionately impact minority populations.

Current Status of Bill HR 1750

Bill HR 1750 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 27, 2025. Bill HR 1750 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 27, 2025.  Bill HR 1750's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of February 27, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1750

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
3
Democrat Cosponsors
3
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1750

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1750

To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for greater investments in research on rare diseases and conditions disproportionately affecting minority populations, and for other purposes.
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for greater investments in research on rare diseases and conditions disproportionately affecting minority populations, and for other purposes.

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