Vindman Introduces Bill to Restore Crucial Funding for Sickle Cell Disease Research

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) introduced legislation to restore staff and funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Sickle Cell Data Collection (SCDC) program, which was once the nation's only public health surveillance system dedicated to collecting comprehensive data on individuals living with sickle cell disease.

The Candis King Hope for Sickle Cell Families Act would reinstate funding and federal workers previously cut from the SCDC program and safeguard it from future elimination without congressional approval. The legislation authorizes $10 million in funding for the program for fiscal year 2026.

"Sickle cell disease affects thousands of families across Virginia, yet the data collection programs needed to improve care and save lives were abruptly dismantled under the Trump administration," said Vindman. "The Candis King Hope for Sickle Cell Families Act - named in honor of my constituent, who died at just 15 years old from complications of sickle cell disease - would restore a proven program that helped researchers and policymakers understand the real-world impact of this disease. By reinstating funding and requiring congressional approval before the program can be eliminated again, this bill ensures accountability and a renewed federal commitment to families living with sickle cell disease."

This legislation is endorsed by the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA).

"The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) applauds Representative Vindman's leadership in introducing the Candis King Hope for Sickle Cell Families Act. This bill honors the life of Candis King, a young sickle cell warrior who we lost much too soon," said Regina Hartfield, President and CEO of SCDAA. "The bill authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Sickle Cell Data Collection program, which compiles surveillance data on sickle cell disease, which is critical to the development of treatments, shaping policy, and providing services where they are needed most."

The legislation is introduced in memory of Candis King, daughter of the Honorable Candi Mundon King and Deputy Sheriff Joshua King. A lifelong resident of Prince William County, Candis lost her life in October 2025 after a courageous battle with sickle cell disease. Vindman honored her life on the U.S. House floor in December 2025.

You can read full bill text here.

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders where red blood cells are abnormally shaped like a crescent moon or "sickle." These rigid cells can block blood flow, leading to intense pain, anemia, and other serious health complications.

Approximately 4,000 people in Virginia live with sickle cell disease, with the condition impacting about one in 325 Black Americans, a rate higher than the national average. Approximately 155,000 Virginians carry the sickle cell trait.

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