Congress targets rare disease research gap in minority communities
H.R. 1750 — HEARD Act of 2025 · Filed by Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) · 5 cosponsors · Introduced Feb 27, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
The HEARD Act expands federal research, training, and data collection on rare diseases disproportionately affecting minority populations. It directs the NIH to coordinate research efforts, establishes physician and health professional training programs, funds data collection and awareness campaigns, and creates loan repayment and scholarship programs to recruit health professionals to serve these populations. The bill also requires the FDA and Medicare to review barriers to access and clinical trial diversity.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core mechanism is expanding federal research capacity and training infrastructure focused on rare diseases in minority populations. It is a public health investment bill, not a regulatory change or market intervention.
What the text implies
- Loan repayment program (up to $50K/year per provider) may create long-term federal budget obligations if uptake is high, though amounts are capped and subject to appropriations.
- Requirement for FDA survey on clinical trial diversity and recommendations may lead to future regulatory changes affecting drug development timelines or trial design requirements.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
medical schools and nursing programs (grant recipients); health professional training institutions; Tribal Epidemiology Centers and Tribal/Urban Indian Health Centers