Congressman David Valadao of California’s 22nd District has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to reintroduce the Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act. The legislation, also backed by Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Yvette Clarke (NY-09), aims to strengthen efforts at federal, state, and local levels to improve care for individuals with asthma.
Valadao emphasized the need for action in his district, stating, “The Central Valley suffers from some of the worst air quality in the nation, and as a result, over half a million people have been diagnosed with asthma. The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act is a bipartisan step toward expanding access to care and improving the quality of life for people living with this difficult and life-altering disease. As co-chair of the Congressional Asthma and Allergy Caucus, I’m proud to reintroduce this bill and remain committed to ensuring Central Valley families have access to the care they need to live happy, healthy lives.”
Rep. Dingell highlighted Michigan’s challenges: “Michigan has one of the highest prevalence rates of asthma in the country, and action is needed to reduce the burden of this disease in my home state and across the country. The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act will strengthen the public health response to this disease and help all Americans with this disease live healthier lives, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure this legislation becomes law.”
Congressman Fitzpatrick noted disparities across states: “Asthma remains one of the most common—and most costly—chronic diseases in America, yet our public-health response varies dramatically from state to state. The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act closes that gap. By expanding a proven national program to all 50 states, we equip local health departments with the tools to reduce attacks, prevent hospitalizations, and deliver better outcomes for the families in our PA-1 community, and nationwide, who shoulder this burden every day.”
Congresswoman Clarke addressed disparities among affected groups: “Asthma continues to be a chronic illness affecting millions of Americans each year and disproportionately impacting Black and Brown people and women. This bill will expand access to essential asthma services, support prevention, and equip families with the tools they need to manage this chronic disease. By addressing the health disparities and providing much-needed care in our underserved communities, we are decreasing the number of hospitalizations and emergency room visits and improving the overall management of asthma across this nation.”
The proposed act is supported by organizations such as the American Lung Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), and Allergy & Asthma Network.
Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA said: “On behalf of the nearly 28 million people in the United States with asthma, we appreciate the leadership of Rep. Dingell and co-sponsors Reps. Clarke, Valadao, and Fitzpatrick on the Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act,” adding that “the Act expands the successful National Asthma Control Program (NACP) to reach all of the United States.” He noted that between 1999-2018 when NACP expanded support for state-based programs there was a 44% decrease in asthma-related mortality.
Harold Wimmer from American Lung Association commented: “Asthma is a chronic lung disease that impacts millions of children and adults in the U.S. We must ensure that every person, regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status, has access to high-quality asthma care they need…the Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act offers real solutions.”
Key provisions include expanding CDC’s National Asthma Control Program nationwide; increasing collaboration between CDCs’ offices at different government levels; requiring states develop public health plans especially for disproportionately affected populations; as well as mandating coordinated data collection on asthma impact.
David Valadao has served as representative for California’s 22nd District since 2021 after previously serving in California State Assembly from 2010–2012 https://valadao.house.gov/. Born in Hanford in 1977 where he currently resides at age 46.
