Cortez Masto Calls for Universal Analysis of How Federal Proposals Impact Health Outcomes

Statement

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) in cosponsoring legislation that would inform how Congress could address social, economic, and environmental factors that have significant or direct influences on health care outcomes. The Assimilating Health and Equity Assessments into Decision-making (AHEAD) Act (S. 4919) would require a scientific study analyzing how Congress might utilize Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) or similar studies known as Health In All Policies (HIAP) reports at the federal level. The results would provide greater detail on the health implications of non-health legislative proposals, particularly on vulnerable populations, like communities of color and rural communities.

"Nearly half of Nevada's population is made up of people from communities of color and other vulnerable communities. For far too long, systemic health and social inequities have created dangerous disparities that block people of color, Native Americans, LGBTQ Americans, people living with disabilities, and rural populations from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health. I'm committed to ensuring all Nevadans have the resources they need to be a healthy as possible, which is why I'm proud to cosponsor this legislation to improve Congress' ability to serve all Nevadans."

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