Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025

This bill, the Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025, tells the Government Accountability Office to study esophageal cancer within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The study will look at how much FEHBP spends on care for federal workers and retirees with this cancer, and how often high‑risk people get screened as medical guidelines suggest. The report is due within one year after the law takes effect .

Congress explains why this matters: esophageal cancer is growing fast, is often found late, and has low survival rates. Early detection can help, especially by finding and treating Barrett’s esophagus. Risk factors the bill highlights include being male, non‑Hispanic white, age 50 or older, smoking, long‑term acid reflux, obesity, and a family history of Barrett’s or esophageal cancer.

• Who is affected: People covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (federal employees and retirees).
• What changes: No new coverage rules; it orders a GAO report on costs and screening rates to inform future decisions.
• When: The report must be sent to Congress within one year of enactment.