Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to renew a federal breast cancer education program aimed at women under 40 cleared a key Senate committee this week, moving one step closer to a full Senate vote.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved the reauthorization of the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act without opposition. Crapo introduced the measure alongside Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota).

What the Bill Does

The EARLY Act directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to carry out evidence-based public education campaigns on breast cancer, with a focus on younger women — particularly those under 40. The legislation was first passed in 2010 and received a five-year reauthorization through the Consolidated Appropriations Act in 2021.

Without action, the current authorization expires this year. The Crapo-Klobuchar bill would extend the program through 2031, preserving the CDC’s ability to continue those outreach efforts.

Crapo’s Cancer Policy Record

The EARLY Act reauthorization follows another cancer-related legislative win for the Idaho senator. Earlier this year, Crapo’s Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act was signed into law, expanding Medicare’s ability to cover newer multi-cancer screening technologies.

Crapo, who has represented Idaho in the Senate since 1999 and currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, framed the EARLY Act renewal in terms of prevention and detection. “Early detection remains one of the most effective tools for improving health outcomes and saving lives,” he said.

What Comes Next

With unanimous committee approval secured, the bill now awaits consideration by the full Senate. The bipartisan backing from Crapo and Klobuchar, along with the committee’s unanimous vote, positions the measure favorably for broader floor support.

The reauthorization is one of several legislative priorities Crapo has advanced this session. Fellow Idaho Senator Jim Risch recently moved three public lands and water bills through committee, reflecting continued activity from the state’s Senate delegation on policy priorities heading into the second half of the year.