Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act of 2025
Congress seeks to add MENA people to federal minority health programs and order a national health study
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Adds Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) people to the legal definition of a racial and ethnic minority group in key federal health programs.
- This could make it easier for MENA communities to be included in health equity efforts and resources run through the Health and Human Services Department.
- Requires Health and Human Services to review its own rules and documents within 2 years and clarify where the updated minority-group definition applies.
- Orders a major federal study on MENA health across the U.S., including chronic disease, disability, mental health, and social factors like income, housing, and language barriers.
- Creates a public online portal for study results, and sets privacy rules that limit collection and sharing of personally identifiable information.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
Padilla Introduces Bill to Promote Health Equity and Inclusion for MENA Community
Announcement of the Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Community Inclusion Act; describes adding MENA to the Public Health Service Act minority definition and directing an HHS health study.
Senator Peters Urges Health and Human Services Department to Fully Implement Middle Eastern and North African Community Inclusion Act
Letter-focused coverage urging HHS to add MENA to its list of “racial and ethnic minority groups,” citing updated federal data standards and barriers to eligibility for minority-targeted programming.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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