Lawmakers Introduced Surge to Save Newborns Act
The proposed legislation authorizes $35 million annually to help states expand newborn health screenings.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Babies
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Should the federal government provide annual funding to help states expand newborn health screenings?
Representative Nick Langworthy and Representative Kim Schrier introduced the Surge to Save Newborns Act to support states in implementing federal health screening guidelines. The legislation would provide $35 million in annual grant funding over five years to improve early detection efforts.
Why it matters
Many states lack the necessary resources to adopt every condition on the federal recommended screening panel, potentially delaying critical medical interventions. Providing federal financial support aims to ensure newborns nationwide receive consistent, life-saving diagnostic care.
The legislation authorizes $35 million per year in grant funding across five years for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. States must submit implementation plans to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to qualify for these funds.
The players
Nick Langworthy
He is a U.S. Representative who co-introduced the legislation to bolster newborn screening.
Kim Schrier
She is a U.S. Representative who collaborated on the introduction of this healthcare bill.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
This federal agency is responsible for administering the proposed grant program and overseeing health screening panels.
The details
The grant program requires states to submit formal applications detailing their screening implementation plans and mandates annual reports to Congress to track effectiveness. The move follows recent federal efforts to standardize testing, including the July 2024 final approval to add Krabbe disease to the federal recommended screening panel.
Timeline
In 1997, Hunter Kelly was born.
In 2005, Hunter Kelly died.
In May 2023, Langworthy urged HHS to recommend Krabbe disease screening.
In January 2024, a federal committee voted to add Krabbe to the screening panel.
In July 2024, HHS gave final approval for Krabbe disease screening.
Culture Shift
The introduction of this bill marks a significant step toward universalizing health standards across state lines. It follows the federal recommended newborn screening panel as the primary framework for deciding which rare conditions infants should be tested for at birth.
The legislation could lead to more uniform health screenings for infants regardless of their state of residence. Families may benefit from faster medical interventions due to earlier detection of serious health conditions covered by the expanded grant support.
The takeaway
Early medical intervention remains the most effective strategy for managing serious conditions in newborns. Families should consult with pediatricians to understand which screenings are currently available in their specific state.
Further reading
Learn more about infant health standards in the Babies section.
Live Poll
Should the federal government provide annual funding to help states expand newborn health screenings?
