U.S. Lawmakers Push to Ramp Up Hepatitis Battle

A bill introduced Thursday in the U.S. House of Representatives would increase federal spending to prevent and treat hepatitis B and C. The diseases disproportionately affect Asian-Americans, and Asian-American lawmakers are pushing the new legislation.

HR 3974, whose short title is the "Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 2009," was introduced by Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.). It would fund the fight through appropriations of $90 million in fiscal years 2010 and 2011, $110 million in FY 2012, $130 million in FY 2013 and $150 million in FY 2014. The bill's 11 cosponsors include four Republicans.

Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician, is a cosponsor. "As a hepatologist, I have witnessed firsthand the consequences hepatitis can inflict on a patient's health, their families and the nation's health care budget," he said.

Honda contends the nation's fight against hepatitis is underfunded: He points out that just $18.3 million is allocated to combat hepatitis in FY 2009, compared to $692 million for domestic HIV-fighting efforts.

"We have a wave of chronic liver disease that will crash like a tsunami on the United States health care system if we do not address this problem now," said Lorren Sandt, chair of the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable. "This simple legislation will help identify the people who are chronically infected and get them into treatment, which can save millions in future health care costs."

CDC says 5 million U.S. residents are infected with hepatitis B or C and many are unaware they carry the viruses.

The legislation was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Honda, who leads the Asian-American caucus in Congress, continues to seek additional supporters.

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