Press Release

On World Tuberculosis Day, Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Co-Chairs of the House Tuberculosis Elimination Caucus, reintroduced the End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2023, bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) worldwide.

"As a doctor, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that tuberculosis has on families and communities in the United States and around the world," said Representative Bera, who previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County. "Despite progress made in the fight against TB, it remains one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers, claiming the lives of 1.6 million people in 2021 – more than HIV and malaria combined. TB is an urgent public health threat that demands our immediate action. That’s why this World Tuberculosis Day, I am proud to join my colleague Rep. Salazar in reintroducing the End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2023 to join our international partners in establishing and resourcing bold goals to eradicate tuberculosis once and for all."

“Tuberculosis is one of the world’s most deadly diseases and continues to devastate millions every year. We can end it. I’m proud to co-lead the End Tuberculosis Now Act and ensure U.S. priorities are in sync with our partners in this fight, stopping the needless suffering that is holding people back from a safer, healthier, and more prosperous life,” said Representative María Elvira Salazar.

The bipartisan legislation directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to align U.S. tuberculosis control efforts with goals established by the international community. The End TB Now Actof 2023 will catalyze research and development of new tools to prevent, diagnose, treat, and control TB, and strengthen U.S. bilateral coordination with global organizations, including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, to develop and implement a comprehensive global TB response.

"World TB Day is a chance to refocus our efforts to end TB and save lives through prevention, testing, and treatment. We at Treatment Action Group (TAG) applaud Representatives Bera and Salazar for commemorating this day by reintroducing the End TB Now Act, which will support USAID and our other global partners in addressing TB through a comprehensive approach and research coordination. TAG calls on all Members of Congress, especially House leadership, to advance this legislation as swiftly as possible and ensure a healthier future both at home and across the globe,” said Mark Harrington, Executive Director, Treatment Action Group (TAG).

"As tuberculosis is re-emerging again as the deadliest infectious disease on the planet, it disproportionately harms those most affected by poverty and oppression. COVID caused an alarming backslide in progress against TB, but the End TB Now Act pushes USAID to test and treat all forms of TB, catalyzes R&D for affordable prevention and treatment while strengthening worldwide health systems to stop TB and better prepare us for any new pandemics. We thank Representatives Bera and Salazar for their strong leadership and the reintroduction of the End TB Now Act. As a network of grassroots advocates committed to ending ending poverty, RESULTS volunteers are eager to support this critical legislation, and we call upon both the House and the Senate to take swift action to pass it into law," said Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director, RESULTS.

"The tuberculosis survivors and affected family in We Are TB are so excited to see the reintroduction of the End TB Now Act. Having this reintroduction happen on World TB Day is especially exciting, as we celebrate this moment with other people who have experienced this disease around the world. We Are TB is proud to champion the excellent work of USAID’s TB programs, and we know this bill will help them give people with TB in the hardest hit countries the care and treatment they deserve, while helping provide new tools to finally achieve TB elimination. Thank you so much to Representatives Bera and Salazar for their leadership, as Americans we call on all of our Representatives to support this fantastic legislation," said Kate O’Brien, We Are TB, Tuberculosis Roundtable Co-chair.

Click here for a full copy of the legislation.

Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced companion legislation the U.S. Senate.