A bill that would help standardize medical screenings for newborns passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2019 was co-sponsored by Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, when it was introduced to the House floor in May.
The bill, H.R. 2507, reauthorizes federal assistance for states in expanding newborn screening programs and ensuring lab quality. It renews funding for 2008’s Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act, which over the last decade has helped all but one state screen infants for at least 31 of 35 recommended conditions. The 2008 bill also established a federal database on newborn testing information.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., and originally co-sponsored by Herrera Beutler; Rep. Michael Simpson, R-Idaho; and Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass. It’s since picked up 47 other co-sponsors.
