The Accelerating Innovation (AI) for Kids With Cancer Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 8, 2026, to advance the use of AI and other technologies in pediatric cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.  

The bill was introduced by Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas), founder and co-chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, along with caucus co-chairs Representative Ami Bera, MD (D-California) and Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania). 

"Since I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus 17 years ago, advancements in technology have radically expanded the frontiers of healthcare," Mr. McCaul stated. "We owe it to our nation's children to leverage cutting-edge AI to improve their care and treatment options. I'm proud to introduce this bill, which codifies and builds on President Trump's executive order to unlock cures for pediatric cancer patients. By empowering AI to continuously drive research forward, we move one step closer to beating this heartbreaking disease once and for all." 

As part of the legislation, the bill recommends that the President, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, appoint a Coordinator of AI Innovation to coordinate and oversee federal efforts to use advanced technologies to improve outcomes for pediatric patients with cancer. The coordinator would identify opportunities to strengthen data platforms and infrastructure, as well as clinical trial design and access, through the National Cancer Institute’s Childhood Cancer Data Initiative.  

The bill also seeks to improve data sharing to advance cancer research and clinical trial design. It also tasks the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop interoperability standards for the safe and compliant use of AI with patient data. The legislation also calls for a report on activities related to the Act within 180 days of its enactment. 

“Pediatric cancer remains one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses any family can face, and we have a responsibility to use every tool available to improve outcomes for children,” Dr. Bera said. “The bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act would leverage cutting-edge AI and data tools to transform pediatric cancer research, improve clinical trial design and access, and deliver more personalized treatment options for young patients. I am proud to support this effort to accelerate innovation, strengthen the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, and move us closer to ending cancer as we know it.”

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