Analyst Brief July 20, 2026

H.R. 5160 — Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, as amended

Current Status

Reported with an amendment

Executive Summary

H.R. 5160 reauthorizes the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, extending funding for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory through FY 2031. The legislation modernizes the program by shifting the statutory mandate from a fixed numerical target of 150,000 cord blood units to a flexible, science-based 'sufficient supply' standard determined by the HHS Secretary. It also grants the Secretary enhanced inventory management authorities, including the ability to transfer units from non-operational banks and prioritize retention based on clinical utility and genetic diversity.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey

Bill Number

H.R. 5160

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

Ms. MATSUIMr. BILIRAKISMs. PINGREEMs. TENNEYMr. MFUME
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Modernization and Efficiency: Removing the arbitrary 150,000-unit quota allows the program to focus on the clinical quality and genetic diversity of the inventory rather than just hitting a numerical target, reducing waste.
  • Continuity of Care: Ensures uninterrupted funding for life-saving bone marrow and cord blood transplants, providing a clear bipartisan win for patients with leukemia and other blood disorders.
  • Supply Chain Resilience: Giving the Secretary explicit authority to transfer units from failing or non-operational banks prevents the loss of valuable, publicly funded biological assets.

Likely Supporters

National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) / Be The MatchCord Blood AssociationPatient advocacy groups for leukemia and blood disorders

Arguments Against

  • Delegation of Authority: Shifting from a hard statutory floor (150,000 units) to a 'sufficient supply' standard delegates significant power to the HHS Secretary, which could lead to inventory shrinkage if future administrations deprioritize the program.
  • Increased Authorization Levels: The bill increases the annual authorization for the transplantation program from $31 million to $33 million, which may draw minor scrutiny from strict fiscal conservatives.

Likely Opponents

Strict fiscal conservative groups (potential, due to increased spending authorizations)

📋 Key Provisions

  • Reauthorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program at $33,009,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
  • Replaces the fixed 150,000-unit cord blood inventory mandate with a flexible 'sufficient supply' standard determined by the Secretary.
  • Authorizes the Secretary to transfer cord blood units from non-operational or non-compliant banks to other qualified entities to ensure continued availability.
  • Directs the Secretary to manage the National Cord Blood Inventory to maximize clinical utility, ensure genetic diversity, and promote efficient resource use based on current scientific evidence.
  • Defines 'high quality cord blood unit' as meeting current industry standards and FDA requirements.
  • Extends the authorization of appropriations for the cord blood inventory program through fiscal year 2031.
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Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 16

Reauthorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program at $33,009,000 annually for FY 2027-2031.

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"$33,009,000 for each of fiscal years"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 22

Replaces the 150,000 unit mandate with a 'sufficient supply' standard.

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"a sufficient supply, as determined by"

Claim Analysis Page 4, Line 14

Allows the Secretary to transfer units from non-operational banks.

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"may transfer the units collected pursuant"

Claim Analysis Page 6, Line 7

Defines 'high quality cord blood unit'.

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"The term 'high quality cord blood unit'"