WASHINGTON, D.C.—September 28, 2016—Today committee chairmen and ranking members of the Senate Health and the House Energy and Commerce Committees issued statements saying they are close to a bipartisan deal on the 21st Century Cures legislation. The bill, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support last year, has been awaiting a vote in the Senate.
A statement from Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows:
“We commend committee members from both parties for their ongoing commitment to increase cancer research funding, in particular Chairman Fred Upton and his partner on Cures, Rep. Diana Degette. Millions of American cancer patients, survivors and their families are depending on Congressional action to accelerate progress in developing new diagnostic tools and improved cancer treatments.
“By providing funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), above and beyond what is included in a year-end appropriations bill, Congress can ensure cutting edge cancer research makes it from the laboratory to the patients who need it most.
“Earlier this month hundreds of volunteers from around the country came to Washington to share their personal stories in hopes of spurring Congressional action. We believe their dedication helped remind Members about the real people and real lives at stake with this legislation.
“When Congress returns to work this fall, we urge them to take this historic opportunity to advance cancer research and quickly pass 21st Century Cures into law.”
