U.S. Senators Young, Shaheen reintroduce bill to combat tuberculosis globally

Thursday, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) reintroduced the End Tuberculosis Now Act, bipartisan legislation that makes the elimination of tuberculosis (TB) a foreign assistance priority for the United States. 

By improving U.S. and international coordination and prioritization of research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, the bipartisan legislation would advance and modernize U.S. engagement in the global fight to end TB.

In addition to the Administration’s global health goals, the bill advances targeted, results-driven investments that reduce the global burden of TB while strengthening preparedness for future infectious disease threats.

“Tuberculosis is preventable, treatable, and curable, yet it continues to claim far too many lives around the world,” said Senator Young. “The End Tuberculosis Now Act will strengthen efforts to expand access to diagnosis and treatment, support the development of new tools and vaccines, and improve our ability to detect and respond to future infectious disease threats. By helping countries combat tuberculosis before it spreads further, we can save lives, strengthen global health security, and better protect Americans from emerging infectious diseases.”

“The United States cannot afford to look away from the threat that Tuberculosis poses to Americans’ health and global health security,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to cosponsor the End Tuberculosis Now Act that reaffirms America’s commitment to preventing, treating and ultimately ending the world’s leading infectious disease, TB. By investing in TB prevention and response abroad, we save lives and protect Americans from infectious disease threats before they reach our shores. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of the fight to end tuberculosis.”

“The RESULTS network is deeply grateful to Senators Young and Shaheen for their leadership on TB, and for driving a clear, measurable, accountable framework to scale new tools to help end the disease,” said Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS. “The Trump Administration included bold global TB goals within the America First Global Health Strategy, but achieving those goals will require much greater focus and investment. The End Tuberculosis Now Act provides the roadmap to make these goals possible. As a grassroots network across the U.S., we’re ready to work with Congress to get this bill into law." 

The End Tuberculosis Now Act strengthens U.S. efforts to prevent, diagnose, treat, and ultimately eliminate tuberculosis worldwide. The legislation expands access to innovative diagnostics and treatments, supports the development of new vaccines and therapies, and improves accountability for U.S.-funded TB programs.

Senator Young first introduced the End Tuberculosis Now Act in 2019 and reintroduced the legislation in 2021, 2023, and 2024. The bill passed the Senate in 2024 with bipartisan support.

Click here to see the full text of the bill.