ASPPH Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan House Legislation to Eliminate Hepatitis C  

July 14, 2026

Washington, DC—The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) applauds Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Hank Johnson (D-GA) for introducing the bipartisan Cure Hepatitis C Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation represents a significant step toward eliminating hepatitis C as a major public health threat by expanding access to screening and curative treatment while establishing a coordinated national strategy to prevent illness, save lives, and reduce health care costs.

The House legislation builds on bipartisan efforts already underway in the U.S. Senate, led by Senators Cassidy (R-LA) and Van Hollen (D-MD), and reflects growing recognition that hepatitis C is one of the few chronic diseases that can be cured. More than 2.4 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis C infection. Although highly effective oral treatments cure more than 95 percent of patients in just 8 to 12 weeks, approximately 40 Americans die each day from complications of the disease because they are never diagnosed or receive treatment.

“This legislation represents a rare opportunity to improve health outcomes while reducing long-term health care costs,” said Tim Leshan, Chief External Relations and Advocacy Officer at ASPPH. “We commend Representatives Miller-Meeks, DeGette, and Johnson for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to ending hepatitis C in the United States. By investing in testing, treatment, and coordinated public health efforts today, Congress can prevent liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver transplantation tomorrow while also strengthening our nation’s public health infrastructure.”

ASPPH is a founding member of the Hepatitis C Elimination Coalition, a partnership of more than 120 national organizations representing patients, health care professionals, researchers, public health leaders, and advocacy organizations working together to eliminate hepatitis C in the United States. The Coalition has worked closely with congressional leaders to advance this bipartisan legislation and build broad support across the public health and medical communities.

ASPPH urges the House Energy and Commerce Committee to promptly consider the Cure Hepatitis C Act and encourages Members of Congress from both parties to join as cosponsors. With safe, highly effective curative therapies available today, Congress has an unprecedented opportunity to achieve a lasting bipartisan public health success that will save lives, reduce health care spending, and improve the health of communities across the country.

OTHER STATEMENTS:

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