McCaul Introduces Legislation to Accelerate Breakthroughs in Pediatric Cancer by Leveraging AI

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) - founder and co-chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus - introduced the Ailani Myers Accelerating Innovation in Medicine (AIM) to Cure Kids with Cancer Actwith caucus co-chairs Ami Bera, M.D. (D-Calif.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.). The legislation, which is named after a brave young cancer patient and advocate, will accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve and transform pediatric cancer research, treatment options, and data storage.

McCaul said, "Since I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus 17 years ago, advancements in technology have radically expanded the frontiers of healthcare. We owe it to our nation's children to leverage cutting-edge AI to improve their care and treatment options. I'm proud to introduce this bill, which codifies and builds on President Trump's executive order to unlock cures for pediatric cancer patients. By empowering AI to continuously drive research forward, we move one step closer to beating this heartbreaking disease once and for all.

"I'm also proud to have named this bill after Ailani Myers, a beautiful young cancer fighter. Like so many of the children I've met, she is far more courageous than most adults. Even a rare form of Leukemia can't steal her smile! Ailani has fiercely advocated for the childhood cancer community and recently attended the signing of President Trump's executive order accelerating AI use for pediatric cancer cures. It's fitting that this bill carry her name and her legacy forward."

McCaul and Ailani in 2013

"Pediatric cancer remains one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses any family can face, and we have a responsibility to use every tool available to improve outcomes for children," said Bera. "The bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act would leverage cutting-edge AI and data tools to transform pediatric cancer research, improve clinical trial design and access, and deliver more personalized treatment options for young patients. I am proud to support this effort to accelerate innovation, strengthen the Childhood Kelly Data Initiative, and move us closer to ending cancer as we know it."

"Congress should always consider new, initiative ways not only to treat cancer, but to defeat cancer. This legislation would leverage artificial intelligence to strengthen patient care and patient outcomes," said Kelly."I'm proud to sponsor the bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act as we work to ensure pediatric cancer patients and their families have every tool at their disposal to receive the care and cures they deserve."

The Ailani Myers AIM to Cure Kids with Cancer Act would:

• Codify and strengthen the National Cancer Institute's Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, authorizing federal support to collect, connect, and share pediatric cancer data;
• Establish an AI coordinator to align pediatric cancer efforts across the White House, federal agencies, and private-sector partners; and
• Harness AI to accelerate pediatric cancer research and treatment by improving data sharing, strengthening predictive modeling, and modernizing clinical trials.

Click herefor full text of the bill.