Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 3944
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3944Cardiovascular and respiratory healthGovernment studies and investigations
Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026
INTRO FEB 26· LAST ACTION MAR 19
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for women, and this bill matters because it ensures continued funding for a program designed to tackle this issue head-on. By supporting preventive health services, screenings, and health education, the WISEWOMAN program helps identify health risks early, before they become more serious and costly to treat. Voters should care because it provides access to essential health screenings and education, potentially saving lives and reducing long-term healthcare costs by focusing on prevention.
If this bill becomes law, the WISEWOMAN program will continue to operate, offering vital services to women who might otherwise lack access to such preventive care. If it doesn't pass, the program could lose its authorization and funding, potentially discontinuing services and leaving many women without access to early detection and management of critical health conditions.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Reauthorizes the WISEWOMAN program under the Public Health Service Act.
This ensures the federal program can continue to operate and provide preventive health services to women.
PROVISION 02
Expands preventive health services to include screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, and other risk factors, along with evidence-based health education.
This broadens the scope of health issues addressed, focusing on early detection and healthy lifestyle promotion to prevent chronic diseases.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes $250,000,000 in funding for the WISEWOMAN program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
This secures the financial resources necessary for the program to operate and deliver services for the next five years.
PROVISION 04
Requires appropriate referrals for medical treatment and follow-up services for women receiving screenings and education.
This ensures that identified health issues are not just screened for, but also addressed with necessary medical care.
PROVISION 05
Mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study by September 30, 2027, on the program's effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
This provides an independent evaluation of how well the program is working and its impact on patient outcomes, promoting accountability.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for women, and this bill matters because it ensures continued funding for a program designed to tackle this issue head-on. By supporting preventive health services, screenings, and health education, the WISEWOMAN program helps identify health risks early, before they become more serious and costly to treat. Voters should care because it provides access to essential health screenings and education, potentially saving lives and reducing long-term healthcare costs by focusing on prevention.
If this bill becomes law, the WISEWOMAN program will continue to operate, offering vital services to women who might otherwise lack access to such preventive care. If it doesn't pass, the program could lose its authorization and funding, potentially discontinuing services and leaving many women without access to early detection and management of critical health conditions.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Reauthorizes the WISEWOMAN program under the Public Health Service Act.
This ensures the federal program can continue to operate and provide preventive health services to women.
high
Expands preventive health services to include screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, and other risk factors, along with evidence-based health education.
This broadens the scope of health issues addressed, focusing on early detection and healthy lifestyle promotion to prevent chronic diseases.
high
Authorizes $250,000,000 in funding for the WISEWOMAN program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
This secures the financial resources necessary for the program to operate and deliver services for the next five years.
med
Requires appropriate referrals for medical treatment and follow-up services for women receiving screenings and education.
This ensures that identified health issues are not just screened for, but also addressed with necessary medical care.
med
Mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study by September 30, 2027, on the program's effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
This provides an independent evaluation of how well the program is working and its impact on patient outcomes, promoting accountability.
WISEWOMAN program (Supplemental Grants for Additional Preventive Health Services)
discretionary
fiscal years 2027 through 2031
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Reauthorize
To officially approve or continue a program or law for an additional period, often with updated terms or funding.
WISEWOMAN program
A federal health program (Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation) that provides preventive health services, screenings, and education to women for heart disease, stroke, and related conditions.
Public Health Service Act
A major federal law that authorizes many of the public health programs and agencies in the United States, including those related to disease prevention and health promotion.
Supplemental Grants
Additional funds awarded to recipients of existing grants to expand or enhance the services they provide.
Preventive Health Services
Medical care focused on preventing illnesses and maintaining health, such as screenings, immunizations, and health education, rather than treating existing diseases.
Evidence-based health education
Health education methods and content that have been shown through scientific research to be effective in improving health outcomes.
Comptroller General
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
MAR 19
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
COMMITTEE
FEB 26
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 26
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
The head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency that provides auditing, evaluation, and investigative services for the U.S. Congress.
Risk factors
Conditions or habits that increase a person's chances of developing a disease or illness, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity for heart disease.
