Velázquez Introduces Bicameral LIVER Act

Washington D.C.—In recognition Liver Cancer Awareness Month, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today introduced theLiver Illness, Visibility, Education, and Research (LIVER) Actwhich would increase federal assistance to study, prevent, and treat liver cancer.

"Like so many other types of cancer, liver cancer becomes much more treatable when it is detected early, said Velázquez. "Unfortunately too many in our community have lost someone due to liver cancer or are struggling themselves to fight this disease with little to no support. This legislation would give our local hospitals and community health centers federal funds to study liver cancer and offer better access to preventative and primary cancer services. By deploying federal resources we can save lives and reduce the deadly effects of this disease."

"Far too many Americans have died due to liver cancer, a disease that disproportionately impacts the Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and Latinx communities," Duckworth said. "I'm proud to re-introduce this important legislation in the Senate today to help make sure the federal government is properly investing in studying liver cancer, finding a cure and increasing access to preventive and primary cancer services that detect the disease early and save lives."

Since liver cancer is rarely detected early, it has a high mortality rate. In 2021, approximately 42,230 people in the United States will be diagnosed with primary liver cancer, and approximately 30,230 will die from the disease. The disease is particularly prevalent among Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander men and women, who have 2.1 and 2.3 times the incidence of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer as compared to the non-Hispanic white population. However, scientists have noted that taking preventative steps such as increasing vaccinations and improving treatments for hepatitis could significantly reduce the prevalence of liver cancer.

This bill would direct the National Cancer Institute to create a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) for primary liver cancer and makes hospitals and healthcare facilities eligible to receive funding for experimental treatment and prevention programs. Additionally, the bill would mandate two new grant programs at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) one to increase prevention services and another to target informational materials towards at-risk populations. To facilitate research efforts, the bill would start a Liver Disease Division within National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), to establish a working group to coordinate research efforts, and directing the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and NIDDK to issue targeted calls for research proposals.

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

"Through Congresswoman Velázquez's leadership, and the reintroduction of the the Liver Illness, Visibility, Education and Research Act (LIVER Act) in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the Recognizing October 2021 as Liver Cancer Awareness Month Resolution in the House, we can move the field forward and shift the conversation to shine a spotlight on liver cancer, and begin to address liver cancer health disparities," said Global Liver Institute (GLI) CEO and President, Donna R. Cryer, JD.

The legislation is endorsed by: Hepatitis Education Project, Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center, Asian Pacific Liver Center at St. Vincent Medical Center, Liver Health Connection, Hep B United, End Hep C SF, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, Caring Ambassadors Program, Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association, Treatment Action Group (TAG), Ohio Asian American Health Coalition, Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Hepatitis Education Project, NASTAD (National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors), Hepatitis Appropriations Partnership (HAP), Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia, Mercy Housing and Human Development, The American Liver Foundation, New Jersey Hepatitis B Coalition, SF Hep B Free - Bay Area, Lazarex Cancer Foundation, ASIAN LIVER CENTER AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY, Asian America Foundation, APA Family Support Services, National Task Force on Hepatitis B Focus on Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, The AIDS Institute, Ohio Asian American Health Coalition, International Community Health Services, AIDS United, Digestive Disease National Coalition, American Liver Foundation, The Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group, Inc. – HCMSG, American Liver Fdn - Northern CA. Division, Help & Education for Liver Patients (HELP!), Stanford Health Care, Community Access National Network (CANN), ADAP Advocacy Association, Hepatitis C Association, Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of Washington, Hepatitis B Foundation, The Liver Health Initiative, Global Liver Institute, Liver Coalition of San Diego, Community Liver Alliance, NASH kNOWledge, Fatty Liver Foundation, Liver Wellness Foundation, The Midsouth Liver Alliance, Northeast Ohio Liver Alliance, The Texas Liver Foundation.

This is also co-sponsored by: Rep. Fitzpatrick and Rep. Espaillat

In addition to the LIVER Act Congresswoman Velázquez introduced a House Resolution recognizing the Month of October as Liver Cancer Awareness Month.