Bulwark Takes — “Pediatric Cancer Bill is Good News That Still Hurts”

Date: December 6, 2025
Host: Sam Stein (Bulwark Team)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the recent movement of the “Give Kids a Chance Act,” a piece of legislation aiming to address pediatric cancer research and improve treatment options for children. Host Sam Stein walks listeners through the bill’s tumultuous journey, its near-passage and setbacks, and the deeply personal story of Michaela Nayland, a young cancer patient and advocate, whose fight and tragic passing played a pivotal role in pressing lawmakers to act. The episode reflects on the mix of optimism and heartbreak that accompanies progress in a gridlocked Congress.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Legislative Background & Obstacles

• The Give Kids a Chance Act seeks to reform FDA regulations and compel pharmaceutical companies to study combination drug therapies for pediatric cancers.
  • Why it matters: Pediatric cancer is rare, so drug companies have little financial incentive to invest in research; this legislation seeks to push forward innovation for treatments “not a big money maker for pharmaceutical companies.” (D, 03:48)
• The bill was almost included in an end-of-year funding deal in 2024 but was blocked by Senator Rand Paul, leading to a lost legislative opportunity despite broad support.
  • “Congress can work in these cryptic, Byzantine ways, and good ideas often just languish in inertia.” (D, 05:08)
• For months, the bill stalled—widely supported but trapped by procedural hurdles and Congressional inertia.

2. A Miraculous Turn

• Unexpectedly, the Give Kids a Chance Act passed the House in late 2025, reigniting hope it could clear the Senate, thanks to a procedural maneuver (the “hotline”).
  • “And now it could pass the Senate. I’m saying ‘could’ for a reason, because it’s not guaranteed.” (D, 06:17)

3. Personal Advocacy: Michaela Nayland’s Story

• Advocacy groups brought pediatric cancer patients themselves to Capitol Hill in September, amplifying the emotional case for the bill.
• Michaela Nayland, a 16-year-old with osteosarcoma, spent the final weeks of her life lobbying lawmakers.
  • Her story—diagnosed at 10, enduring years of treatment trials and surgeries—was relayed in her own words:
    • “With all these experiences under my belt, I’ve learned that the little things never matter that much and they shouldn’t interfere with living your life to the fullest.” (Michaela, quoted by D, 09:38)
  • Sam Stein shares the wrenching reality: “She asked her parents to spend the last days of her life lobbying lawmakers for this bill.” (D, 08:26)
• Michaela died October 29, just after a final Zoom call with Senator Hickenlooper. A few weeks later, the bill passed the House—now renamed after Michaela.

4. Bipartisan Lawmaker Support

• Key sponsors and champions:
  • Senator Markwayne Mullin (pushed for renaming after Michaela)
  • Rep. Debbie Dingell
  • Rep. Michael McCaul (whose statement on the House floor highlighted Michaela’s legacy)
  • Senator Hickenlooper and Senator Michael Bennet (of Colorado)
• Michael McCaul on the House floor:
  • “In her final moments on this earth, I reached out to her and told her that her story would not be forgotten and that her legacy would continue to help thousands of other children...” (E, 13:21)

5. A Bittersweet Victory & Ongoing Uncertainty

• The episode underscores continued uncertainty—Senate passage not guaranteed, presidential signature not final.
• Sam Stein’s tone is emotional but hopeful, reflecting collective frustration at Congressional delay:
  • “We wasted 12 months on a piece of legislation that everyone seems to support, but Congress can’t figure out how to get through its chambers until now, hopefully.” (D, 14:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Congressional Inertia:
  • “But Congress can work in these cryptic, Byzantine ways, and good ideas often just languish in inertia.” (D, 05:08)
• On Pediatric Cancer Research Challenges:
  • “Kids’ cancer treatments are not something that gets a lot of investment money because, to be blunt about it, not many kids get cancer. And so it’s not a big money maker for pharmaceutical companies.” (D, 03:48)
• Michaela’s Words:
  • “With all these experiences under my belt, I’ve learned that the little things never matter that much and they shouldn’t interfere with living your life to the fullest.” (D quoting Michaela, 09:38)
  • “The thought of making it to the end of the day isn’t in the cards for me right now. I’m still taking chemo in hopes that it will kill this thing that keeps taking everything away from me. I’m 16. I have dreams and aspirations, and I want to make sure that others receive a better standard of care.” (Michaela, 10:36)
• Rep. Michael McCaul on Michaela’s Legacy:
  • “I wanted her to know her impact would outlive all of us. And so today, in her honor, the United States Congress will vote on the Michaela Nayland Give Kids a Chance Act.” (E, 13:39)
• Sam Stein’s Reflection:
  • “I guess cautiously optimistic is a way to put it...” (D, 14:31)
  • “Thank you for letting me open up about this... I’ll stay on top of this for you.” (D, 15:13)

Timeline & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Content | |-----------|---------|---------| | 01:29 | [Start] Sam Stein’s introduction | Contextualizes why the news is “bittersweet” and sets up story | | 02:10 | Legislative background | Reviews failed attempts to pass bill, unique barriers for pediatric research | | 06:17 | Bill unexpectedly advances | House surprise passage, possible Senate “hotline” maneuver | | 07:00 | The lobby day | Cancer kids on the Hill, focused on Michaela’s story | | 08:40 | Michaela’s journey | Michaela’s advocacy and Facebook post | | 10:36 | Michaela’s own words | Emotive testimony about her experience and hopes | | 11:32 | Michaela passes away | Just after call with Hickenlooper; emotional impact | | 12:21 | Lawmaker tributes | Bill’s sponsors, floor speeches honoring Michaela | | 13:21 | Rep. Michael McCaul’s remarks | Direct tribute highlighting Michaela’s courage and legacy | | 14:31 | Sam Stein’s closing thoughts | Frustration with Congressional delay, cautious optimism |

Final Thoughts

“Pediatric Cancer Bill is Good News That Still Hurts” is a poignant reflection on resilience—in advocacy, in a grieving family, and (finally) in a Congress moved to action by young lives lost. Sam Stein’s delivery is raw, heartfelt, and cautiously hopeful: the bill’s story remains unfinished, and he pledges to continue reporting on its fate.

For more updates, stay tuned to Bulwark Takes.