Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) has joined Representative Chris Smith (NJ-4) in introducing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025. The legislation aims to continue programs that increase access to stem cell therapies while encouraging alternatives to research that destroys embryos.
The original Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act, enacted in 2005, established the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory (NCBI). These initiatives have supported over 135,000 transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other serious illnesses. The registry, managed by the National Marrow Donor Program, now includes more than 42 million potential donors and 760,000 cord blood units across the United States. NCBI itself is nearing a collection of 119,000 high-quality units, which are particularly important for pediatric cases.
If passed, the reauthorization will extend these programs through 2031 with a $280 million investment over five years—allocating $33 million annually to the Cell Transplantation Program and $23 million each year to NCBI. According to supporters, this funding will help expand donor networks, lower barriers to treatment access, and improve outcomes for more than 75 diseases treatable with bone marrow or 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.”
Claudia Tenney currently represents New York’s 24th district in Congress after replacing Anthony Brindisi in 2021. She previously served in the New York State Assembly from 2011 to 2016. Born in New Hartford in 1961, she now resides in Canandaigua. Tenney graduated from Colgate University with a BA in 1983 before earning her JD from the University of Cincinnati in 1987.
