WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmembers Rob Menendez (NJ-08), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Tory A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), and Marc Veasey (TX-33) introduced the Closing the HPV Testing Gap Act, a bill led by Rep. McIver to direct a comprehensive study on the development of a human papillomavirus (“HPV”) diagnostic test for men. This bill would begin the work needed to fill this void by paving the way for a standardized, noninvasive test for men.
“As a co-chair of the Men’s Health Caucus, I am proud to co-lead the Closing the HPV Testing Gap Act,” said Congressman Menendez. “I am joining Reps. McIver, Carter Sr., and Veasey in this effort because our national HPV prevention strategy has overlooked a serious gap for far too long. I am committed to working to close this gap and supporting a health care system that works for all Americans.”
“For too long, women have been forced to deal with the consequences of a major gap in our healthcare system—the lack of a standardized male test for HPV,” said Congresswoman McIver. “HPV impacts millions of Americans every year, but there is still no approved test for men. That’s causing delayed detection and preventable cancers. People deserve the studies and tests needed to protect themselves and their loved ones. That’s why I’m introducing the Closing the HPV Testing Gap Act to help develop a reliable, noninvasive HPV test for men and close a gap that has put women’s health at risk for too long.”
“The Closing the HPV Testing Gap Act addresses a critical need in our nation’s cancer prevention strategy by advancing research into standardized, noninvasive HPV testing for men,” said Congressman Carter Sr. “Expanding early detection and prevention tools is essential to reducing HPV-related cancers, limiting transmission, strengthening protections for women’s health, and building a more equitable public health system. I want to thank my friend Rep. McIver for her leadership on this important legislation.”
“Women should not bear the burden of HPV prevention alone,” said Congressman Veasey. “Without an FDA-approved HPV test for men, we are missing a critical opportunity to reduce transmission and better protect women from cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. The Closing the HPV Testing Gap Act will help us better understand how noninvasive testing for men can strengthen prevention, improve early detection, and build a more equitable approach to cancer prevention.”
“The National Consumers League applauds Congresswoman LaMonica McIver and Representatives Troy A. Carter Sr., Rob Menendez, and Marc Veasey for introducing legislation to address a critical gap in our nation’s HPV prevention strategy,” said Sally Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer, National Consumers League. “While women have long borne the burden of HPV-related screening and follow-up care, the absence of an FDA-approved HPV test for men has left an important piece of the prevention puzzle missing. Advancing research into noninvasive HPV testing for men could help reduce transmission of high-risk HPV strains, strengthen early detection efforts, and support a more equitable and comprehensive approach to cancer prevention. We are encouraged to see lawmakers champion science-driven solutions that have the potential to improve public health outcomes for both women and men.”
HPV is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection in the United States, causing approximately 13 million infections each year. The absence of a male diagnostic pathway leads to sustained transmission patterns that directly impact women, particularly through increased cervical cancer risk and delayed detection in female patients.
The Closing the HPV Testing Gap Act would:
Congressman Rob Menendez serves as the co-chair of the Men’s Health Caucus and the chair of the Congressional Dad’s Caucus Family Mental Health Working Group. He has introduced legislation supporting health initiatives including the CARES Hotline Act and the Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act. Congressman Menendez currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he continues to champion legislation supporting families, expanding community resources, and ensuring vulnerable populations receive the care and attention they deserve.
To read the full text of the bill, please click here.
