[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 155 (Monday, October 15, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H11521-H11522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENSE OF THE HOUSE REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL CANCER
RESEARCH MONTH
Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 448) expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that there should be established a National Cancer
Research Month, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 448
Whereas the American Association for Cancer Research, the
oldest and largest scientific cancer research organization in
the United States, was founded on May 7, 1907, at the Willard
Hotel in Washington, DC, by a group of physicians and
scientists interested in research to further the
investigation and spread new knowledge about cancer;
Whereas the American Association for Cancer Research is
focused on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer
research and is the authoritative source of information and
publications about advances in the causes, diagnosis,
treatment, and prevention of cancer;
Whereas since its founding, the American Association for
Cancer Research has accelerated the growth and dissemination
of new knowledge about cancer and the complexity of this
disease to speed translation of new discoveries for the
benefit of cancer patients, and has provided the information
needed by elected officials to make informed decisions on
public policy and sustained funding for cancer research;
Whereas partnerships with research scientists and the
general public, survivors and patient advocates,
philanthropic organizations, industry, and government have
led to advanced breakthroughs, early detection tools which
have increased survival rates, and a better quality of life
for cancer survivors;
Whereas our national investment in cancer research has
yielded substantial returns in terms of research and advances
and lives saved, with a scholarly estimate that every 1-
percent decline in cancer mortality saves our national
economy $500,000,000,000;
Whereas cancer continues to be one of the most pressing
public health concerns, killing one American every minute, or
a dozen people worldwide every 60 seconds;
Whereas the American Association for Cancer Research Annual
Meeting on April 14-18, 2007, was the world's largest and
most comprehensive gathering of leading cancer researchers,
scientists, and clinicians engaged in all aspects of clinical
investigations pertaining to human cancer as well as the
scientific disciplines of cellular, molecular, and tumor
biology; carcinogenesis; chemistry; developmental biology and
stem cells; endocrinology, epidemiology, and biostatistics;
experimental/molecular therapeutics; immunology; and
radiobiology/radiation oncology; imaging; prevention and
survivorship research;
Whereas, as part of their Centennial, the American
Association for Cancer Research has published ``Landmarks in
Cancer Research'' citing the events or discoveries after 1907
that have had a profound effect on advancing our knowledge of
the causes, mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
of cancer; these landmarks are intended as an educational,
living document, an ever-changing testament to human
ingenuity and creativity in the scientific struggle to
understand and eliminate the diseases collectively known as
cancer;
Whereas more than 60 percent of all cancer occurs in people
over the age of 65, and issues relating to the interface of
aging and cancer, ranging from the most basic science
questions to epidemiologic relationships to clinical and
health services research issues, are of concern to society;
Whereas the American Association for Cancer Research is
proactively addressing these issues paramount to our aging
population through a Task Force on Cancer and Aging, special
conferences, and other programs which engage the scientific
community in response to this demographic imperative; and
Whereas May would be an appropriate month to recognize as
National Cancer Research Month: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That--
(1) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that
there should be established a National Cancer Research Month
to support the American Association for Cancer Research in
public education efforts to make cancer research a national
and international priority so that one day the disease of
cancer will be relegated to history; and
(2) the House of Representatives--
(A) congratulates the American Association for Cancer
Research on its 100-year anniversary: ``A Century of
Leadership in Science--A Future of Cancer Prevention and
Cures'';
(B) recognizes the invaluable contributions made by the
American Association for Cancer Research and its quest to
prevent and cure cancer and save lives through cancer
research; and
(C) expresses the gratitude of the people of the United
States for the American Association for Cancer Research's
contributions and the progress in advancing cancer research.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Wisconsin (Ms. Baldwin) the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Wisconsin.
General Leave
Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on the resolution now under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Wisconsin?
There was no objection.
Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 448,
expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should
be established a National Cancer Research Month.
Preventing and ultimately finding a cure for cancer is a major public
health challenge. The resolution before us calls for the establishment
of a National Cancer Research Month, a time to bring public awareness
of the nearly 200 forms of cancer and bring hope and a cure that cancer
research provides. Providing a National Cancer Research Month will
remind us that basic, clinical, epidemiological, and behavioral
research are integral to identifying causes and developing strategies
for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures for cancer.
This resolution also highlights the contributions of the American
Association for Cancer Research, an organization that has been on the
forefront of cancer research for more than 100 years. The American
Association for Cancer Research was founded in 1907 by a group of 11
physicians and scientists interested in cancer research.
As the oldest and largest scientific organization in the world
focused on every aspect of high quality, innovative cancer research,
the American Association for Cancer Research has established a
reputation for scientific breadth and excellence as premier researchers
in the field.
Today, the American Association for Cancer Research accelerates
progress towards the prevention and cure of cancer by promoting
research, education, communication, and advocacy
[[Page H11522]]
and fostering the exchange of knowledge and new ideas among scientists
dedicated to cancer research, providing training opportunities for the
next generation of cancer researchers and increasing public
understanding of cancer.
On this, their centennial year of service, we commend the work of the
American Association for Cancer Research and applaud their effort to
make cancer research a national and international priority. We owe a
debt of gratitude to organizations like the American Association for
Cancer Research for their contributions in advancing the public
awareness of cancer and for excellence among its membership in the
field of cancer research.
I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Utah (Mr.
Matheson), for his work in raising this important issue, and I urge my
colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, it is a dreaded word in the English language, and it
is called ``cancer.'' Not a family in America is left unscathed or
untouched by cancer and what it means to the families, and very often
the terrible outcomes.
If there is a positive light, we know over the last several decades
in particular, many health care professionals, organizations and groups
have dedicated not just time and money and research, but their true
passion to helping find a cure and treat cancer in many different ways.
I know on Staten Island this week we will have the annual breast
cancer walk that will attract thousands of people, many of whom are
survivors, and many who will work in remembrance and memorial of loved
ones.
That is why I join my colleague, the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms.
Baldwin), in support of H. Res. 448, expressing the sense of the House
that there should be established a National Cancer Research Month.
Perhaps it should be all year. I think it is important to at least
acknowledge that National Cancer Research Month be this month.
The purpose of establishing this month is to provide an opportunity
to better educate the public in an effort to make cancer research a
national priority.
At the NIH, the National Cancer Institute conducts research into
cancer in conjunction with numerous other institutes and centers. The
NCI alone comprises one-third of the NIH's $30 billion budget. The work
being done at the NIH towards cancer research is invaluable.
Establishing a Cancer Research Month can help highlight what is being
done by the scientific community and how the public can become
involved.
While acknowledging and putting aside this month is important, what
is even more important is continuing to support the research of those
caring, compassionate health care professionals and researchers who
will one day find the cure for all cancers, and that should be our wish
and national goal and priority.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time to
close.
Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, I join my colleague from Wisconsin in
supporting the resolution, and ask Members to support the resolution.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to
support this bill. As our Nation's researchers continue to move us
closer to a cure for cancer, it is important for us to recognize the
work that these researchers do. Each piece of research, each project is
a vital part of the solution that we will achieve when a cure is
discovered. I thank my colleague, Mr. Matheson, for his work on this
issue and urge passage of the resolution.
Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for
H. Res. 448. This bipartisan resolution expresses the sense of the
House of Representatives that the United States should establish a
National Cancer Research Month.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the American Association for
Cancer Research.
Thanks to research and expanded cancer education, we have more early
detectors, preventative measures, and treatments for cancer than ever
before.
But we still have a long road ahead of us. The American Cancer
Society estimates that in the San Bernardino County alone, nearly 2,500
Americans will die from a cancer-related illness in the upcoming year.
Every American is touched by this horrible disease; thanks to great
strides, the number of cancer-related deaths is declining.
Strengthening research and public awareness of cancer will lead to
more scientific breakthroughs that can increase survival rates for
cancer patients--and give our cancer survivors a better quality of
life.
I urge my colleagues to cast a vote for hope, and to support this
vital resolution.
{time} 1700
Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Baldwin) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 448.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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