Since its creation in 1998, the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has raised over $80 million for breast cancer research. The money comes from consumers who purchase the specialty stamp online or at their local post office. As required by the law that created the stamp, the funding is split between the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of DefenseÈs medical research program. Led by U.S. Senators Diane Feinstein (CA) and Michael Enzi (WY), the Senate passed their bill reauthorizing the stamp earlier this year. Now, U.S. Representatives Jackie Speier (CA) and Cynthia Lummis (WY) have introduced a bill in the House to do the same. However, if the House doesnÈt vote to pass the bill before the end of the year, the stamp will no longer be issued and this vital source of breast cancer research funding will be cut off. Help honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month by showing your support for the breast cancer stamp.
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.