Federal grants would help states screen newborns for recommended conditions

The Secretary would provide grants to states for newborn screening. The grants would support screening for conditions on the Secretary’s recommended uniform screening panel or a later panel that replaces it. A state health chief, that official’s designee, or a state agency must apply as the Secretary directs and explain how it would use the money. The bill sets aside $35 million for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031. The money would remain available until spent.

The Secretary would report to Congress on state screening and grant results. Each report would list, for every state, which recommended conditions are screened for and which are not; it would also assess the grants and give any recommendations for government action. Reports are due by the end of fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year through 2031.