U.S. Senators Tim Scott, Jack Reed, Tina Smith, and James Lankford introduced the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2026 on Apr. 1 to renew and strengthen federal support for bone marrow and cord blood transplant programs.
The proposed legislation aims to help patients with diseases such as leukemia, lymphomas, sickle cell anemia, and rare genetic blood disorders by ensuring continued access to life-saving transplants. Without congressional action, these programs are set to expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
The bill would reauthorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program through 2031 and make up to $280 million available over five years for transplantation research and treatment efforts. Of this amount, approximately $115 million would go toward supporting the National Cord Blood Inventory program, which has banked more than 122,500 cord blood units for medical use. The National Marrow Donor Program operates these initiatives and has impacted more than 140,000 lives through cell therapy.
“For patients and families facing life-threatening diseases like sickle cell anemia, bone marrow and cord blood transplants can offer a cure and a second chance at life. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2026 ensures that these life-saving programs continue to connect patients with donors across the country. I’m proud to support this legislation to deliver hope to families while building on programs that have already saved tens of thousands of lives,” said Sen. Tim Scott.
Senator Jack Reed said: “Ultimately, this is all about helping patients and families in their time of need as they face unimaginable circumstances. It provides direct support to these critical institutions that do incredible research, match donors and patients, help save lives, and improve health outcomes.” Reed also said: “Our bipartisan bill builds upon the highly successful National Marrow Donor Program that has been a lifeline for thousands of transplant patients over the last two decades. Bone marrow and cord blood transplants continue to offer effective treatments for a number of diseases and disorders. This bipartisan bill would help expand access to lifesaving therapies to patients with conditions that can be treated and even cured with bone marrow or cord blood.” Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Congressman Christopher Smith.
Scott grew up in a single-parent household in North Charleston, South Carolina,according to his official website. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Charleston Southern University according to his official website, was raised in North Charleston according to his official website, held positions on the Charleston County Council as well as in both state legislative bodies according to his official website, served on local councils according to his official website,and offers constituent services including assistance with federal agencies for South Carolina residents according to his official website.
There are three main ways people can donate stem cells: peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), bone marrow donation itself or umbilical cord blood donated after birth.
Looking ahead,the sponsors say continued funding will allow ongoing advancements in treatments derived from adult stem cell lines while connecting more donors with those who need transplants.
