Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the bipartisan Securing Enhanced Programs, Systems and Initiatives for Sepsis (SEPSIS) Act (H.R. 7116), legislation to strengthen the national response to sepsis and improve patient outcomes.

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by the body’s extreme response to an infection. Approximately 1.7 million Americans develop sepsis each year, and 350,000 die from the condition. Sepsis is also one of the most expensive conditions treated in American hospitals, with costs exacerbated by frequent readmissions.

Many sepsis deaths can be prevented through early recognition and treatment. The SEPSIS Act would build on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) ongoing work to help hospitals improve their sepsis programs.

The SEPSIS Act would:

• Direct the CDC to educate hospitals on addressing sepsis and improve federal data collection on pediatric cases.
• Strengthen coordination across the Department of Health and Human Services while supporting the development of a sepsis outcome measure and requiring a report to Congress.
• Require a congressional briefing on the CDC’s sepsis activities and establish a voluntary recognition program for hospitals with effective or improving sepsis programs.

The SEPSIS Act is led by Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01) and Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07). Companion legislation in the Senate (S.1929) is sponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (NY), Susan Collins (ME), and Andy Kim (NJ).

“No condition so treatable should be so fatal, yet even with excellent medical care I was lucky to survive my own battle with sepsis,” Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) said. “We already know what resources can make a dramatic difference for treating sepsis. Congress has the unique ability to equip more hospitals with the tools to save lives, and there’s no reason both parties can’t be part of the solution. I'm extremely grateful to the Problem Solvers Caucus for creating even more bipartisan momentum for my SEPSIS Act.”

“Sepsis can impact anyone — young or old, sick, or healthy — and preventing deaths depends on early recognition and timely intervention. I am pleased to see the SEPSIS Act, that I introduced with Congressman Norcross, endorsed by the Problem Solvers Caucus. It is critical that we put patients over politics, and this bipartisan legislation would strengthen sepsis care through expanded education, national information-sharing on best practices, and improved pediatric data collection,” said Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-07).  

“Sepsis can turn a medical emergency into a life-or-death situation in a matter of hours, but most fatal sepsis cases are preventable. Our doctors and healthcare workers need the tools and information to recognize sepsis and act quickly,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03). “The SEPSIS Act is a commonsense bill to strengthen early detection, improve the standard of sepsis care across the country, reduce the burden on the healthcare system, and save lives.”

“Sepsis remains among the most dangerous and unforgiving medical emergencies in our healthcare system. The SEPSIS Act advances a thoughtful, bipartisan framework to improve early recognition, strengthen hospital response, and deliver better outcomes for patients. When we know where intervention can save lives, Congress has a responsibility to translate that knowledge into action. I applaud Representatives Norcross and Kean for their leadership on this initiative,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

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The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of Members of Congress — split evenly between Republicans and Democrats — committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation.