Congresswoman Tenney Co-Leads Legislation to Reauthorize Lifesaving Stem Cell Program

Oswego, New York - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today joined Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-4) in introducing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025. This legislation will continue critical programs that expand access to lifesaving stem cell therapies while promoting effective alternatives to embryo-destroying research.

First signed into law in 2005, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act created the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory (NCBI), which together have facilitated more than 135,000 lifesaving transplants for patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other serious conditions. Operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, the registry now connects over 42 million potential donors and 760,000 cord blood units nationwide, with NCBI alone approaching 119,000 high-quality units, many of which are vital for pediatric patients.

The 2025 reauthorization extends these programs through 2031. It invests $280 million over five years; $33 million annually for the Cell Transplantation Program and $23 million annually for NCBI. These funds will expand donor networks, reduce barriers to treatment, and improve outcomes for the more than 75 blood cancers and diseases that can be treated with bone marrow and cord blood stem cells.

"I am happy to join Congressman Smith in reauthorizing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act. This legislation will ensure that patients, especially children and families facing devastating illnesses, have a greater chance of finding a match and receiving the treatment they desperately need. By advancing this bipartisan effort, we are giving hope to families across the nation while supporting cutting-edge medical innovation that saves lives." said Congresswoman Tenney. Bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants give patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other serious conditions a real chance at survival. This law ensures patients can find a donor match when they need it most and supports ethical research that delivers results without destroying embryos. Every family deserves access to these lifesaving treatments, and this reauthorization makes that possible."

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