Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act of 2025

Bill Summary: Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act of 2025 (H.R. 6054)

Overview

The Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act of 2025 is a legislative proposal designed to ensure that federal funding for cancer research is allocated proportionally based on the pediatric population of the United States. The primary intent of the bill is to guarantee that children under the age of 18 receive a fair and equitable share of federal research resources relative to their share of the total U.S. population.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a specific mathematical formula to dictate the allocation of federal cancer research funds:

• Proportional Funding Mandate: Starting in fiscal year 2026, the President must ensure that the percentage of total federal funds obligated for pediatric cancer research is equal to the percentage of the U.S. population that is under the age of 18.
• Data-Driven Allocation: The specific percentage will be determined using data from the Bureau of the Census.
• Calculation Method: The ratio is calculated by dividing the number of individuals under 18 residing in the U.S. at the end of the preceding fiscal year by the total number of individuals residing in the U.S. at that same time.

Who is Affected?

• Pediatric Cancer Patients and Families: This group stands to benefit from a potentially significant increase in research funding, which could lead to more targeted treatments and improved survival rates for children.
• Federal Research Agencies: Agencies responsible for obligated cancer research funds (such as the National Cancer Institute) would be required to adjust their budget allocations to meet this statutory percentage.
• Medical Researchers: Researchers specializing in pediatric oncology would see more stable and proportional funding streams.

Timeline and Procedural Status

• Effective Date: If passed, the funding requirements would begin in fiscal year 2026.
• Current Status: The bill was introduced in the House on November 17, 2025, and has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.

Summary Table