Introducing the Longevity Science Caucus
On February 21, 2023, Congressman Gus Bilirakis announced the formation of the Longevity Science Caucus, an esteemed Congressional Caucus designed to address pressing issues related to aging and longevity. Comprising a diverse, bipartisan group of lawmakers, the caucus is supported by esteemed members of Congress like co-chairs Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) and founding members Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX), and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA). With such influential members, the caucus is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the future of health and wellness for all Americans.
This caucus is an important milestone in advancing the mission to increase healthy human lifespans. However, we acknowledge that many of our followers may not be familiar with the concept of a caucus or its operations. To address this, we present a brief overview of what a caucus is, what the Longevity Science Caucus will do, and the ways it will benefit the longevity movement.
What is a Caucus?
A caucus is a group of individuals who share a common interest or goal, and work together to advance their cause through advocacy, policy development, and other initiatives. Caucuses play an important role in shaping public policy and driving social change. Through their collaborative efforts, caucuses can encourage other lawmakers to adopt policies that help their respective cause.
What Will the Longevity Science Caucus Do?
The Longevity Science Caucus is a distinguished group of policymakers who share a common goal of advancing research and innovation in the field of longevity. By promoting policies that support longevity research, funding for scientific studies, and the development of new therapies and treatments, the caucus aims to facilitate the development and distribution of longevity therapies that can improve the health and wellness of the American people.
The caucus will also serve as a vital platform for policymakers, scientists, and other stakeholders in the longevity community to exchange ideas and share information. Members will collaborate on identifying and addressing key challenges in the field, working together to find innovative solutions and educating the general public on the importance of longevity science. Furthermore, the caucus seeks to identify opportunities to change regulations that can help accelerate the development and approval of longevity medicines, potentially transforming the future of healthcare in the United States.
How Will the Longevity Science Caucus Benefit the Longevity Movement?
The establishment of the Longevity Science Caucus marks a turning point for the longevity movement, providing the industry and movement with influential champions in Congress. This powerful group of lawmakers can help the industry to achieve its most ambitious goals. For instance, the caucus members can prioritize funding for the National Institutes of Aging’s Division of Aging Biology, which supports geroscience/longevity research directly. Moreover, the caucus can develop, propose and sponsor legislative proposals to expedite the FDA’s approval process for longevity medicines, making these potentially groundbreaking therapies available to Americans more quickly. The caucus can also serve as a voice for other longevity-related initiatives, such as advocating for ARPA-H to focus on geroscience/longevity or requesting that the Congressional Budget Office conduct an extensive study and report on the Longevity Dividend. The longevity science industry now has a formidable group of Representatives who are advocating for policies and initiatives that have the potential to revolutionize longevity science progress and ultimately, healthcare in the United States.