WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan House Cancer Caucus have teamed up to introduce the Knock Out (K.O.) Cancer Act of 2025—bipartisan legislation that delivers one of the most significant proposed increases in cancer research funding in a generation and takes decisive action to address the national crisis of cancer drug shortages.
The bill calls for a 25% increase in funding for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) each year for five years—based on FY2022 funding levels—to ensure investment reflects cancer’s devastating toll as the second leading cause of death in the United States. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within one year, identifying the root causes of ongoing cancer drug shortages and outlining actionable solutions to restore timely access to lifesaving treatment.
“Cancer is still one of the greatest threats to American lives—and our national response must rise to meet that reality,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The KO Cancer Act is a serious, strategic investment in the science that saves lives and a clear directive to fix the systemic failures causing dangerous drug shortages. This is the next step in a mission I’ve championed for years: to bring urgency, accountability, and hope to every patient and family facing this fight. We cannot afford complacency—because when it comes to cancer, delay costs lives.”
“We must redouble and recommit to our efforts to research, treat, and cure cancer, and address cancer drug shortages that are hurting patients across the country,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “This legislation will strengthen investments in research at the NIH to develop innovative treatments and cures for all types of cancer, improve patient outcomes, and knock out cancer as we know it.”
The KO Cancer Act has garnered strong support from national research and advocacy organizations who say the bill is a critical step toward restoring momentum in the fight against cancer.
“We have made extraordinary strides against cancer in recent decades, thanks in large part to robust, sustained federal investments in medical research,” said Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for Cancer Research. “We are grateful to Representatives Fitzpatrick, Dingell, and other leaders in Congress for their ongoing support of NIH and NCI. This bill would help us maintain momentum against this dreadful disease for the benefit of all patients.”
“At a time when biomedical research funding is under threat, the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) is pleased to support the KO Cancer Act, sponsored by congressional cancer champions Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Debbie Dingell. Now, more than ever, we appreciate their ongoing commitment to federal investments in cancer research. Their continued support helps fuel the life-saving work at our nation’s cancer centers, where patients with cancer are treated and cured every day,” said AACI Executive Director, Jennifer W. Pegher, MA, MBA.
Congressman Fitzpatrick has consistently led bipartisan efforts to increase federal support for medical research and improve access to care. The KO Cancer Act builds on that record—renewing America’s focus on eradicating cancer with the urgency, unity, and resolve this moment demands.
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