Press Releases

On Thursday, September 4, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined a bipartisan group of Representatives in introducing new legislation to authorize more than $280 million over five years for national cord blood and bone marrow transplant programs. 

Authored by Chris Smith (R-NJ) and cosponsored by Reps. Pingree, (D-ME), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 5160) ensures that two collaborative programs providing treatments and therapies derived from adult stem cell lines will not expire at the end of the federal fiscal year 2026. 

The legislation—which has broad bipartisan support—authorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program for 5 years at $33 million annually, while the National Cord Blood Inventory is authorized at $23 million annually for five years. 

“Behind every successful stem-cell and bone-marrow transplant is a strong network of expertise, resources, and support. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act strengthens that network, ensuring that every American who faces a life-threatening blood disorder is given the hope—and care—that they deserve,” Pingree said. “By connecting more patients with potential donors and expanding access to life-saving procedures, this bill will save countless lives.”

“Breathtaking scientific advancements have turned medical waste—post-birth placentas and umbilical cord blood—into medical miracles that cure and treat more than 75 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell anemia,” said Congressman Smith, the author of the original law (The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005—P.L. 109-129) that created the national cord blood program and expanded the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program. “I look forward to seeing this bipartisan reauthorization bill—which will expand and extend two remarkable life-saving research and therapy programs—pass quickly so that thousands of present-day and future patients can continue to benefit from the exciting promise of umbilical cord blood and adult stem cells.”

“For patients and families facing devastating blood cancers and rare blood disorders, bone marrow and cord blood transplants can offer the best treatment – and sometimes the only potential for a cure,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory have saved tens of thousands of lives by connecting patients with lifesaving donors. By reintroducing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act, we are making sure that hope endures – and that even more families are given the gift of time, healing, and a second chance at life.”

“This critical legislation reaffirms our nation’s commitment to advancing life-saving medical research and bringing hope to the millions of Americans suffering from chronic and life-threatening conditions," said Congressman Bilirakis. "By reauthorizing this legislation, we ensure continued federal support and oversight for stem cell research that adheres to the highest ethical and scientific standards, while expanding the potential for developing new therapies and medical breakthroughs. This Act not only fosters scientific innovation but also upholds our core values of compassion and care for those whose lives could one day be transformed by these advancements. Continued investment in adult stem cell research is an investment in the future of medicine and a reflection of our bipartisan commitment to science, health, and the well-being of generations to come."

“I am happy to join Congressman Smith in reauthorizing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act. This legislation will ensure that patients, especially children and families facing devastating illnesses, have a greater chance of finding a match and receiving the treatment they desperately need. By advancing this bipartisan effort, we are giving hope to families across the nation while supporting cutting-edge medical innovation that saves lives,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants give patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other serious conditions a real chance at survival. This law ensures patients can find a donor match when they need it most and supports ethical research that delivers results without destroying embryos. Every family deserves access to these lifesaving treatments, and this reauthorization makes that possible.”

“Investments in stem cell therapeutics and research increases the possibility of unlocking medical breakthroughs in how to treat conditions like Alzheimer's, cancer, heart disease, and more,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “Our bill, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, reaffirms our commitment as a nation to advancing research in this cutting-edge field of science that has so much potential to heal people and save lives,” he concluded. 

First passed in 2005, the original legislation established a nationwide integrated bone marrow and cord blood stem cell transplantation program. Stem cells derived from cord blood and bone marrow have been successfully used to treat tens of thousands of patients. This reauthorization continues to build donor networks, broadening access to these lifesaving treatments.

The bill’s introduction was praised by NMDP and the Cord Blood Association:

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Representatives Smith, Matsui, Bilirakis, Pingree, Tenney, and Mfume, for their unwavering dedication to advocating for patients and families who require access to life-saving transplant," Amy Ronneberg, CEO of NMDP, said. "The continued bipartisan support from Congress for this program grows stronger with each reauthorization, demonstrating how a deepening commitment to saving lives can impact over 140,000 patients' lives to date and create an enduring program to serve all patients in need. We stand proudly alongside our Congressional champions to ensure that every patient in need has the opportunity to find a lifesaving match."

“The NCBI has enabled public cord blood banks to build an inventory of high quality, unrelated donor, cord blood units which are available for patients who do not have a matched donor in their family,” said Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, M.D., President of CBA and Director of the Marcus Center for Cellular Cures and Carolinas Cord Blood Bank at Duke Health. “The program has enabled access to blood stem cell transplantation for thousands of patients with blood cancers, sickle cell anemia, certain metabolic diseases, bone marrow failure, and inherited diseases of the immune system. The NCBI is a wonderful example of how public support can increase access to healthcare for patients with unmet medical needs.”

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