
In a rare display of unity, Congress passed a bipartisan bill honoring the late Rep. Gerry Connolly by advancing legislation to combat esophageal cancer, the disease that claimed his life.
At a Glance
- The House passed the Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025 to honor the late Virginia Representative who died from the disease in May
- Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, a Republican, led the bipartisan effort to commemorate his Democratic colleague
- Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest and fastest-growing cancers in America
- The legislation aims to raise awareness and encourage research into prevention and early detection
- A special election to replace Connolly is scheduled for September 9th
A Final Legislative Victory
Just one day before his death on May 21, 2025, Rep. Gerry Connolly introduced the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act, spotlighting a disease with one of the fastest-growing incidence rates in the U.S. Following his passing, the House Oversight Committee unanimously voted to rename the bill the Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025.
The legislation mandates a Government Accountability Office report on esophageal cancer’s impact, particularly on federal employees and retirees under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. It also directs research into screening and early detection for high-risk individuals.
On June 3, 2025, the House passed the bill by voice vote. Lawmakers honored Connolly by draping his seat with a black cloth and flowers—an enduring symbol of respect for a fallen colleague.
Watch a report: Comer Honors Late Lawmaker Gerry Connolly By Introducing Esophageal Cancer Bill.
Bipartisan Support and Personal Tributes
Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY), who co-sponsored the bill with Connolly, praised his colleague’s legacy. “Gerry was a dedicated public servant who spent his life working to improve the lives of his constituents,” Comer said during remarks on the House floor.
Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), now the acting Oversight Committee Democrat, commended Connolly’s commitment and urged fellow lawmakers to continue his work by supporting cancer awareness. The Committee had earlier advanced the renamed bill unanimously, signaling rare cross-party alignment.
Connolly’s public service spanned four decades, including 14 years in Congress and a prior role on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. His advocacy for federal workers and infrastructure modernization left a lasting imprint on Northern Virginia and beyond.
Continuing Connolly’s Legacy
To fill the vacant seat, Governor Glenn Youngkin has scheduled a special election for September 9, 2025. Several candidates from both parties are expected to compete to carry on Connolly’s bipartisan legacy.
Though this bill cannot undo Connolly’s loss, its passage reflects his enduring influence—and a fleeting moment of congressional unity in addressing a devastating disease. His colleagues hope it will be a model for future collaboration in tackling the nation’s pressing public health challenges.