Miller-Meeks Bill to Fund Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Unanimously Passes Committee

May 21, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) today announced that the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed her bipartisan EARLY Act Reauthorization by a vote of 48-0. The legislation reauthorizes the Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act, a critical federal initiative focused on breast cancer education, early detection, and prevention efforts for young women. “As a physician, I know early detection saves lives,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks . “Breast cancer impacts far too many families across Iowa and our country, and ensuring women have access to education, awareness, and preventative care is critical. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to continue supporting lifesaving outreach and prevention programs for young women nationwide.” Originally signed into law in 2009, the EARLY Act supports public education campaigns and partnerships aimed at increasing awareness of breast cancer risks among young women, particularly those at higher risk due to family history or genetic factors. Young women in the U.S. are increasingly being diagnosed with breast cancer. About 16% of all new breast cancer cases in the U.S. occur in women younger than 50. Breast cancer in young women is often diagnosed at a later stage, tends to be more aggressive, and can create devastating physical, emotional, and financial challenges for patients and families. “Renewing the EARLY Act is essential to ensuring young and high-risk women continue to have access to potentially life-saving breast cancer education and support,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) . “Early detection remains one of the strongest tools we have in reducing the impact of breast cancer, and this legislation helps empower individuals to better understand their personal risk and make informed health decisions alongside their teams. ACS CAN applauds Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kathy Castor (D-FL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) for championing this bill and thanks the full Energy & Commerce Committee for voting to advance this important effort.” "The EARLY Act has played a critical role in breast cancer education and prevention. The AMA strongly supports maintaining its funding and for the CDC to continue supporting education, research, and other initiatives that raise awareness surrounding breast cancer in high-risk and younger demographics. Our patients need this kind of education prevention to lead healthy lives,” said Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, President of the American Medical Association. This vital work is made even more impactful by the incorporation of the SCREENS for Cancer Act , which reauthorizes a grant program that states can utilize to help ensure women have access to breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services. “Cancer prevention and early detection should never be partisan issues,” Miller-Meeks continued . “Today’s unanimous committee vote sends a strong message that Congress can still come together to support commonsense, lifesaving healthcare initiatives that make a real difference for American families.” “Susan G. Komen is grateful the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the EARLY and SCREENS for Cancer Act today, a significant step in Congress reaffirming their commitment to supporting a strong breast health infrastructure,” said Molly Guthrie, vice president of policy and advocacy at Susan G. Komen . “These actions get us one step closer to ensuring education and services are available to the people who need them, when and where they need them.” As a physician and member of Congress, Miller-Meeks has been a leading voice on cancer prevention , rural healthcare access, and expanding early screening initiatives. The bill, which is endorsed by the American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association, now advances to the full House of Representatives. For full bill text, click HERE . Watch Dr. Miller-Meeks' Committee Remarks HERE . Issues : Delivering Results Health