Unanimous Committee Vote Advances Sewell's Multi-Cancer Detection Bill Toward House Floor

Washington, D.C. - In a major bipartisan victory for public health and Alabama leadership, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced the unanimous passage of her landmark legislation, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act, through the House Ways and Means Committee. The bill, H.R. 842, cleared the committee with a 43–0 vote and now heads to the full House for consideration.

Named in honor of Rep. Sewell's late mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2021, the legislation would establish a pathway for Medicare to cover FDA-approved blood tests capable of detecting up to 40 types of cancer in their earliest stages.

"Today, we are one giant step closer to enacting the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act and giving our seniors the best chance at catching cancer early," said Rep. Sewell. "The legacy of my mother will live on in the lives this bill will help save."

The bill's momentum coincides with Cancer Advocacy Day, during which over 700 advocates from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) met with lawmakers to push for stronger early detection policies. H.R. 842 is one of ACS CAN's top legislative priorities.

A Bipartisan Push with National Backing

The legislation has garnered 305 House co-sponsors, 62 Senate co-sponsors, and support from over 600 patient advocacy organizations nationwide. Lead Republican sponsor Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19), who also chairs the House Budget Committee, praised the bill's potential to revolutionize cancer care.

"This critical legislation will give seniors access to groundbreaking innovation that will transform the way we treat, diagnose, and prevent cancer," said Arrington. "With over 300 cosponsors in the House, 60 in the Senate, and even Cowboys QB Dak Prescott supporting it, we are closer than ever to unleashing the power of early detection."

What It Means for Alabama

For Alabama's aging population-especially in rural and underserved communities-this bill could be transformative. Early detection is often the key to survival, and MCED tests offer a non-invasive, accessible way to screen for multiple cancers before symptoms appear.

If enacted, Medicare coverage for these tests would begin in 2028, starting with beneficiaries aged 68 and older, expanding annually. For Alabama families, this could mean earlier diagnoses, better treatment outcomes, and reduced long-term costs.

Next Steps

H.R. 842 will be considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday, September 18, which shares jurisdiction over health care policy. With strong bipartisan support and national advocacy behind it, the bill is poised to move swiftly toward a full House vote.

As Rep. Sewell noted, "Cancer knows no political party." The legislation not only honors a personal legacy but also reflects a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for millions of Americans.