A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Fast-tracking Approval for Innovative Rare disease therapies Act," or the "FAIR ACT," aims to speed up patient access to innovative medicines and clinical trials for life-threatening diseases. It establishes a reciprocal approval mechanism with trusted international regulatory authorities like the European Medicines Agency and Health Canada. This mechanism allows certain products to be approved for marketing in the United States if they are already lawfully marketed in a foreign country by a trusted authority. The bill also allows manufacturers to seek reciprocal allowance to conduct clinical investigations. This process is designed to overcome delays in the current regulatory process and maintain U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +7
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The bill accelerates access to innovative, life-saving medicines for patients with immediately life-threatening diseases.
- Scored +5
Would children be better off under this?
Children with life-threatening conditions may benefit from faster access to innovative therapies.
- Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
Seniors facing life-threatening diseases may benefit from accelerated access to new treatments.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Accelerated Access to Life-Saving Treatments: Patients facing immediately life-threatening diseases or conditions may gain faster access to innovative medicines that are already approved in other trusted nations (Section 3, subsection (b)(2)(E)).
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Increased Clinical Trial Opportunities: By allowing reciprocal allowance for clinical investigations, the bill aims to provide more opportunities for United States patients to participate in cutting-edge research (Section 2, finding 2; Section 4, subsection (a)).
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Preservation of Medical Leadership: The mechanism is intended to preserve the United States' competitive position in biomedical research and innovation by countering the rapid expansion of biopharmaceutical development in nations like China (Section 2, finding 3 and 4).
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Efficient Decision-Making: The Secretary is required to issue an order to grant or decline reciprocal marketing approval within 30 days of receiving a request (Section 3, subsection (d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential Safety Risks: While the Secretary can withdraw approval if new evidence shows unreasonable risk, the mechanism relies on the safety and effectiveness determinations made by foreign regulatory authorities (Section 3, subsection (g)(1)).
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Risk of Treatment Disruption: If a reciprocal approval is withdrawn or suspended due to adverse events, the Secretary may implement a phase-out plan to minimize disruption, but the process involves managing the withdrawal of ongoing treatments (Section 3, subsection (g)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — Children with life-threatening conditions may benefit from faster access to innovative therapies. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Seniors facing life-threatening diseases may benefit from accelerated access to new treatments. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill assists those with life-threatening conditions, which can include many individuals with disabilities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Faster access to treatments can help mitigate the long-term costs associated with life-threatening diseases.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill accelerates access to innovative, life-saving medicines for patients with immediately life-threatening diseases.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to preserve the United States' competitive position in biomedical research and innovation. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The expedited regulatory process may benefit smaller biopharmaceutical manufacturers seeking quicker market entry.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill facilitates more clinical investigation opportunities within the United States to boost biomedical research.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill establishes a reciprocal approval mechanism with trusted international regulatory authorities like the EMA and Health Canada.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The Secretary is required to submit a comprehensive report on the program's effectiveness and impact on safety.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Faster access to life-saving treatments can reduce the economic burden of untreated life-threatening conditions.
- 7/20/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/17/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Sam GravesRepublican · Missouri
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts
Scott PetersDemocrat · California
Jimmy PatronisRepublican · Florida