Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025

May 20, 2026

Summary

Directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the healthcare costs of esophageal cancer and screening rates for high-risk federal employees.

What problem does this solve?

Esophageal cancer is a rapidly growing and deadly disease that is often discovered too late, but early screening can significantly improve survival rates. This bill requires a study on the cancer's cost and screening rates among federal employees to understand the scope of the problem and guide future prevention efforts.

What does this bill do?

Report on healthcare spending

Requires the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the total healthcare spending on esophageal cancer within the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.

Report on screening rates

Requires the Government Accountability Office to evaluate how often high-risk federal employees are screened for esophageal cancer according to established medical guidelines.

Who does this affect?

Federal employees and retirees
Government Accountability Office staff

What is the real world impact?

•

Gathers data to support future health policies

Mandates a study to collect data on healthcare costs and screening rates for esophageal cancer among federal employees. This information can be used to justify future changes to health insurance coverage and public health campaigns.

When does this start?

The required report must be submitted to Congress within one year after the bill becomes law.