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119-s-5469119th CongressWALLET

HEART Foundation Act

Sponsored By: Senator Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]

Introduced

Summary

Accelerate cardiovascular research by creating a federally chartered nonprofit, the Heart Security Foundation, to raise private capital and award targeted grants for biomarker and early-onset heart event research. This Foundation would coordinate data with CDC when appropriate and follow strict governance and ethics rules while remaining a nongovernmental entity.

Show full summary
  • Families and patients: Aimed at making validated research findings more accessible, with a focus on biomarkers for early-onset heart events that could inform care and prevention.
  • Researchers and institutions: U.S. research institutions can receive targeted grants and private funding to speed translational biomarker studies and longitudinal cohort work.
  • Donors and federal partners: The Foundation can accept private donations and apply for federal research grants. It is DC-chartered, not a federal agency, and will be governed by a five-member NIH-appointed board with four-year terms and conflict-of-interest rules.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Foundation can raise research money

If enacted, the bill would let the new Foundation accept private donations and seek federal research grants. The Foundation would give targeted grants to U.S. research institutions. It would focus on biomarkers linked to early heart events. It would coordinate data with CDC when appropriate and share validated findings under federal ethics rules.

AG can enforce Foundation limits

If enacted, the Attorney General could go to court to stop the Foundation if it acts outside its legal purpose. This would provide a legal check to keep the Foundation focused on its statutory mission. It would not directly give money to households.

Annual reporting to Congress required

If enacted, the Foundation would send a yearly report to Congress and the HHS Secretary. The report would list money raised and grants awarded in the prior year. It would also describe research outcomes and measurable impact from the Foundation's support.

Board structure and rules set

If enacted, NIH would appoint a five‑member Board to run the Foundation. At least three members would need expertise in heart research or related science. Board members would serve four‑year terms, may serve two terms, and get no pay but may get travel reimbursement. The Board would write bylaws, hire staff, and set grant rules.

Creates Heart Security Foundation

If enacted, the Secretary of HHS would set up the Heart Security Foundation as a DC nonprofit. The Foundation would be a 501(c)(3) and not a federal agency. NIH would help start operations by providing space, equipment, and staff. The Foundation would be responsible for its own debts and liabilities.

Limits on advocacy and activities

If enacted, the bill would say Foundation staff and board members are not federal employees. The Foundation could not do political advocacy or fund community organizing. It could not run public messaging campaigns unrelated to research. It could not act as a health care provider or an insurance company.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]

NC • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/23/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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