[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 27 (Friday, March 13, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1957-S1958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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       WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH AND PREVENTION AMENDMENTS OF 1998

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I wish to express my support for S. 
1722, ``The Women's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 
1998.'' I commend Senator Frist for his introduction of this 
legislation and am pleased to join him as a co-sponsor.
  Women's health programs administered by the National Institutes of 
Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention play a 
critical role in ensuring that the extraordinary scientific advances of 
our nation don't sit on the shelf, but are actually used to improve 
lives.
  The last few years have brought astonishing new developments in 
women's health research. Medical researchers have now located the 
genetic mutations that predispose women to certain types of breast 
cancer--knowledge that may lead to more effective

[[Page S1958]]

treatment of this devastating disease. And through the CDC, a recent 
initiative focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and 
cervical cancer is already saving lives. In just the year since this 
program was begun in Connecticut, over 19,000 women received free 
screening for breast cancer--and 15 cases were caught early while they 
were still treatable. Over 1,000 women were checked for cervical 
cancer--and 8 cases were detected.
  We've taken a number of important steps toward improving women's 
health, but we must continue to support and sustain these programs if 
we are to truly reap the benefits of our initial investments. This bill 
clearly is a good start.
  I am concerned that some critical areas of women's health have been 
omitted from the bill. We would be remiss if issues so important to 
women's health, such as sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive 
health were neglected. However, I know that Senator Frist has indicated 
his willingness to continue the dialogue and to work with members of 
the Labor Committee to include these programs prior to markup.
  This legislation is the continuation of a commitment that we have 
made to women and our nation and makes a sound and intelligent 
investment in the long term health of this country. I again offer my 
support and urge swift consideration of this bill.

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