[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 3, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H6090-H6093]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING ANNUAL SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE

  Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 109) honoring the 20th 
anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in the Nation's 
Capital and its transition to the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the 
Cure on June 6, 2009, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 109

       Whereas breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed 
     cancer in women worldwide, with more than 1,300,000 diagnosed 
     each year;
       Whereas breast cancer is the leading cause of death among 
     women worldwide, more than 465,000 die from the disease each 
     year, and a woman dies from breast cancer every 68 seconds;
       Whereas there are more than 2,500,000 breast cancer 
     survivors alive in the United States today, the largest group 
     of all cancer survivors;
       Whereas a woman has a one-in-eight lifetime risk of 
     developing breast cancer, and only a small percentage of 
     cases are due to heredity;
       Whereas incidence rates for breast cancer are increasing by 
     as much as five percent annually in low-resource countries;
       Whereas, since its inception, Susan G. Komen for the Cure 
     has invested more than $1,300,000,000 in breast cancer 
     research, education, and community health services that have 
     raised awareness and improved treatment, helping more people 
     survive the disease and creating a strong support community 
     of breast cancer survivors;
       Whereas publicly and privately funded research has resulted 
     in treatment that has raised the 5-year survival rate for 
     women with localized breast cancer from 80 percent in the 
     1950s to 98 percent in 2008;
       Whereas the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series is the 
     organization's signature program and is the world's largest 
     and most successful education and fundraising event for 
     breast cancer;
       Whereas more than 120 Komen Race for the Cure events are 
     held across the globe, raising significant funds and 
     awareness for the fight against breast cancer;
       Whereas a record $3,700,000 from the 2008 Komen Race for 
     the Cure was granted to 18 organizations in the National 
     Capital area for 2009, a 10 percent increase over last year's 
     local funding;
       Whereas these grants are awarded to projects dedicated to 
     addressing gaps and unmet needs in breast health education 
     and breast cancer screening and treatment in underserved 
     populations throughout the National Capital area;
       Whereas 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the first Susan 
     G. Komen National Race for the Cure in Washington, DC;
       Whereas this year the Susan G. Komen National Race for the 
     Cure becomes the first-ever Susan G. Komen Global Race for 
     the Cure, reflecting Komen's global mission to end breast 
     cancer wherever we find it, at home or abroad; and
       Whereas more than 50,000 participants, including 4,000 
     breast cancer survivors and hundreds of congressional and 
     Federal agency employees are expected for the 20th annual 5K 
     run/walk on Saturday, June 6, 2009, on the National Mall: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--

[[Page H6091]]

       (1) remembers the lives of the women and men who have lost 
     their fight with breast cancer and expresses support and 
     admiration for those who have survived;
       (2) congratulates those survivors, family, friends, and 
     other community members who participate in the Global Race 
     for the Cure in order to raise money for research and 
     education so that many more may survive and encourages 
     Americans to walk this year and to support their family and 
     friends who participate; and
       (3) honors the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure for 
     its impact on the National Capital Area, the Nation, and the 
     world.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Capps) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. CAPPS. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 
legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. CAPPS. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 109, a 
resolution that honors the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.
  More and more women are surviving breast cancer due in no small part 
to Susan's sister and to the many women and others who took to the 
streets and, in a variety of grassroots ways, decided to take this 
curse, really, which is breast cancer, out of the closet and into the 
spotlight where attention could be paid to it. We have seen that more 
and more women are surviving, but there is much more work to do in 
extending screening and treatment here and abroad. More research is 
needed into how we can better detect and treat breast cancer, and more 
work needs to be done to ensure that survivors have the tools they need 
to navigate the complexities of treatment, symptom management and 
follow-up care.
  This Saturday will be the 20th Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure here 
in Washington, D.C. In recognition of the global scope of breast cancer 
this year, the race's name has been changed to the Susan G. Komen 
Global Race for the Cure.
  I want to thank our colleagues, Representatives Connolly, Wasserman 
Schultz and Sablan, for their leadership on this issue. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TERRY. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I appreciate working with the gentlewoman from 
California. We work on a lot of our health bills together. That's the 
spirit of comity in the Energy and Commerce Committee.
  It is with great pride that I rise today in support of the House 
Concurrent Resolution 109, honoring the 20th anniversary of the Susan 
G. Komen Race for the Cure in the Nation's Capital and its transition 
to the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure on June 6, 2009.
  So this Saturday, here in Washington, D.C., D.C. will be the host of 
the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure, and participants will be 
walking, running, volunteering, and even sleeping to help raise money 
for breast cancer research, education and community awareness. More 
than 50,000 participants, including 4,000 breast cancer survivors and 
hundreds of congressional and Federal agency employees are expected for 
the 20th annual 5K walk on the National Mall.
  I would like to at this point inject that Omaha, Nebraska's Susan G. 
Komen race is in October when it will be a little cooler. We like 
running and walking, and our office has a team for that race. I would 
encourage every congressional office, in their districts, to field a 
team to help raise awareness and research for breast cancer.
  My mother was a breast cancer survivor until a different cancer got 
her a year ago. So I would like to express my gratitude for the $1.3 
billion the Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested, helping more 
people survive the disease and creating strong community support for 
breast cancer survivors.
  Publicly and privately funded research has resulted in the treatment 
that has raised the 5-year survival rate for women with localized 
breast cancer from 80 percent in the 1950s to nearly 98 percent as we 
stand here today.
  I would like to thank the author of the resolution, Mr. Gerald 
Connolly of Virginia, for his leadership in honoring the Susan G. Komen 
Global Race for the Cure. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in 
favor of this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I concur with my colleague from Nebraska 
as to the significance of our local races, and I have a feeling that 
this weekend there will be many from Capitol Hill who will also be 
participating in the Washington, D.C. event. As a sister of a breast 
cancer survivor, I know this is a very personal story for almost 
everyone today.
  With great pleasure, I yield to the author of the legislation, 
Representative Connolly from Virginia, for such time as he may consume.
  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from 
California, and I thank my colleague from Nebraska for his kind 
remarks.
  I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 109, honoring the Susan G. 
Komen National Race for the Cure.
  This Saturday, June 6, 2009, marks the 20th anniversary of the race 
here on the National Mall in the Nation's Capital. More than 50,000 
race participants, including 4,000 breast cancer survivors--4,000 
breast cancer survivors, Madam Speaker--their families, their friends 
and supporters, plus hundreds of congressional and Federal agency 
staff, including staff from my own office and many others, will 
participate in the annual 5K run and walk. Thanks to last year's race, 
a record $3.7 million in grants was provided to 18 organizations in the 
National Capital region alone.
  Madam Speaker, Susie Komen, as her sister affectionately called her, 
was just 36 years old when she was stricken and lost her 3-year battle 
with breast cancer in 1980. She did not have the benefit of a 
nationwide support network like the one her sister, Nancy Goodman 
Brinker, would found in her name 2 years later because, together, they 
identified large gaps in the system of care as part of Susan's valiant 
experience.
  The first Race for the Cure was held in 1983 in Houston, Texas, and 
its success has subsequently spread to communities across the Nation. 
Now the annual race is the primary fund-raising vehicle for the Komen 
Foundation, which today has invested more than $1.3 billion worldwide 
for breast cancer research, education and community health services.
  Those efforts have raised greater awareness, and have improved the 
treatment of breast cancer, itself, helping more people survive and 
creating a strong support of community survivors. Thanks in large part 
to organizations like Komen for the Cure, nearly 75 percent of women 
over the age of 40 now receive regular mammograms compared to just 30 
percent when the campaign started in 1982. The 5-year survival rate for 
breast cancer was just 74 percent in 1982. Today, it is 98 percent. 
Numbering more than 2.5 million fellow Americans, breast cancer 
survivors now are the largest group of any cancer survivor community in 
the United States of America, but more needs to be done.

                              {time}  1145

  Through the Department of Defense peer-reviewed Breast Cancer 
Research Program, we already have invested more than $2.1 billion in 
the ongoing search for a cure, and the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus 
Appropriations Act included another $150 million for this purpose.
  We are also considering legislation, Madam Speaker, initiated by my 
colleague Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, who also 
is an original cosponsor of this resolution and a survivor, to better 
educate young women about the threat of breast cancer and other related 
bills that would provide greater protections to patients being treated 
for breast cancer.
  Mr. Speaker, let me also note that we anticipated having our original 
cosponsor, Congressman Gregorio Sablan, with us today on the floor, but 
he is attending his son's graduation back home in the Northern Mariana 
Islands.

[[Page H6092]]

  Succeeding in this effort will require continued persistence from us 
and from the thousands who will converge this weekend on the National 
Mall and from races all across the globe in the months to come. The 
National Race for the Cure is just one of more than 120 Race for the 
Cure events that will be held internationally this year. With more than 
1.3 million diagnoses each year, breast cancer is the most frequently 
diagnosed cancer worldwide with incident rates increasing by as much as 
5 percent annually in low-resource countries. Sadly, despite the 
progress we've made in 5-year survival rates, it's also the leading 
cause of death for women worldwide, claiming more than half a million 
lives each year, according to the World Health Organization. At that 
rate, a woman will die from breast cancer virtually every minute of 
every day in the year. To emphasize the significance of those numbers, 
the Komen Foundation is renaming its annual race as the Global Race for 
the Cure, reflecting its global mission to end breast cancer wherever 
it is found, at home or abroad.
  Mr. Speaker, as we prepare for this weekend's race, I invite 
survivors and supporters to join the team from my office if you do not 
already have somebody to walk with or run. We can be found under 
Connolly's Cruisers on the race Web site. Much like the cherry blossoms 
do in the spring, we will turn the National Mall a vibrant shade of 
pink this weekend as we come together to demonstrate the urgency and 
necessity for finding a cure.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join us in supporting 
this very important effort.
  Mr. TERRY. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I yield as 
much time as she may consume to our colleague from Florida (Ms. 
Wasserman Schultz) whose connection to this topic is the most personal 
you can get.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I thank the gentlelady from California for the 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 
109, which honors the 20th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Race for 
the Cure. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the largest and most 
progressive group of breast cancer activists in the world. So it is no 
surprise that the race, now in its 20th year, is the world's largest 
and most successful fundraising event in the fight against breast 
cancer. Over the years, participants have raised tens of millions of 
dollars to fund screening, treatment and education programs for the 
medically underserved. And with over 120 races across the globe, it is 
fitting that when the thousands of runners, walkers and, yes, even 
sleepers participate this Saturday, they will be part of the newly 
named Global Race for the Cure. The new name is also fitting because we 
know that breast cancer respects no national boundaries and is, in 
fact, the leading cause of death among women worldwide.
  To be sure, while we have come a long way in the fight against breast 
cancer, we still have too far to go. This year in the United States 
alone, over 190,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Many of 
those women will be younger than 45 years old. Each year, 28,000 women 
younger than 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer, and far too many of 
them lose their battle. Forty-thousand of the women diagnosed 
nationwide will not survive. Globally, over 1.3 million women will be 
diagnosed with breast cancer, and almost half a million will die. That 
is why we cannot rest in our efforts to fund research and find a cure 
for this insidious disease, and it is why we cannot rest in our efforts 
to provide education and awareness for all women. We must ensure that 
they have access to screening and treatment, and we must do all we can 
to support the more than 2.5 million survivors in our country alone.
  As many of you know, I recently had my own battle with breast cancer. 
I am both grateful and humbled to count myself among this growing group 
of passionate survivors. I was fortunate to have access to the 
treatment and support that I needed to win my own fight. Through 
efforts like the Race for the Cure, we can all work together to make 
sure that everyone has that same opportunity.
  So thanks to the many people participating in this year's race--the 
countless volunteers, the supporters, the runners, walkers and all the 
staff of Susan G. Komen for the Cure for making this event an annual 
reality. And thanks to my colleague and friend Representative Gerry 
Connolly for his leadership in sponsoring this important resolution and 
for working with myself and Delegate Gregorio Sablan to honor the work 
of everyone fighting against breast cancer. And congratulations to Mr. 
Sablan's family on his child's high school graduation.
  I urge my colleagues to support this wonderful resolution and to take 
a moment to honor all of those we have lost in this fight and also 
those that struggle on. Let us not stop until the race is won. Early 
detection is the key. I did not find my tumor through luck. I found it 
through education and awareness. All women and all families in this 
country deserve access to that education and awareness.
  Let me just issue a little challenge to the 13 teams in the 
congressional division competing in the Race for the Cure this 
Saturday. Let's show all the other teams what our congressional teams 
can do, step up our efforts in the last few days, and really increase 
the participation of the Members and staff of the congressional 
division for the Global Race for the Cure.
  Mr. TERRY. I have no further speakers. I will just say that I really 
appreciate the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) for 
coming down to the floor and speaking about her personal experiences. 
The courage that she has in speaking about this openly, educating 
people across the country, she's very special; and I'm glad she came 
down.
  I want to congratulate all of the D.C. employees of our staffs that 
will be participating in the Race for the Cure this weekend. I wish 
them well. Raise lots of money. This is one of the truly great 
organizations, and it is the symbol of grassroots efforts for a cure 
for breast cancer. I wish them well this weekend as well as all of the 
other walks and runs that will occur in most cities across the Nation 
over the next few months.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. CAPPS. I want to thank my colleague from Nebraska and to 
acknowledge that this is truly one bipartisan issue that we all agree 
upon. And as our colleague from Florida has issued us all a challenge, 
we now have a goal to try to reach here with our staffs and on the 
Hill, from the Hill as we participate. I want to thank the sponsors of 
the race for expanding their scope and now for this resolution being 
known as the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure and to acknowledge 
this day coming, June 6, 2009.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 109. Many, many families across the United States have had 
their lives irrevocably changed because of a diagnosis of breast 
cancer. Many of these families have lost a loved one, a mother or 
sister or daughter, or even a father, brother, or son, to this 
devastating disease.
  The statistics surrounding breast cancer are sobering. One in eight 
women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her 
lifetime. Though there are 2.5 million survivors in the United States 
today, many more lives could be saved with the benefit of better, 
earlier detection and more effective treatment.
  The problem is just as serious in other nations around the world. 
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed of all cancers 
worldwide, with more than 1.3 million diagnoses each year. It is also 
the leading cause of death among women around the world, with over 
465,000 deaths each year.
  Imagine that for a moment--465,000 children without mothers, fathers 
without daughters, sisters and brothers without their siblings. And 
these are people from every walk of life, of every age, and in every 
corner of the globe.
  Fortunately for all of us, there are many organizations whose mission 
is to improve research and education surrounding this devastating 
disease. Through their efforts, groundbreaking treatments have raised 
the 5-year survival rate for women with localized breast cancer from 80 
percent in the 1950s to 98 percent in 2008.
  Among these organizations is the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Komen's 
fundraisers, including the Race for the Cure and the Breast Cancer 
Three-Day, have raised tens of millions of dollars that will help 
people around the world improve detection, treatment, and education--
since its inception, Komen alone has invested more than $1.3 billion in 
such programs.
  Komen's annual National Race for the Cure will take place this 
weekend in Washington,

[[Page H6093]]

D.C.--the 20th such race. More than 50,000 participants, including 
survivors of breast cancer, family members of patients, and others, 
will help medical research move forward and benefit many more men and 
women in the future.
  Last year, my district even fielded its own team to participate in 
the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk in Seattle. The ``Saipan Sweet Feet'' team 
included Bobbi Grizzard, Marian Aldan Pierce, Clarie Kosak, Pam Brown, 
Rhoda Smith, Roberta Guerrero, Kazuyo Tojo, and Corrine Loprinzi. I 
hope others will participate in these wonderful events this year.
  I wish, along with my colleagues, to congratulate the participants in 
this race and thank them for dedicating their time and money to such a 
cause, to express my admiration for the strength and courage of breast 
cancer survivors, to honor the Susan G. Komen foundation for its work, 
and to offer my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost friends 
and family members to this disease.
  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 109--Honoring the 20th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen 
Race for the Cure in the Nation's Capital and its transition to the 
Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure on June 6, 2009. I commend my 
colleague Representative Gerald E. Connolly for bringing this measure 
before the floor.
  Breast cancer has had a devastating impact on women worldwide, as 1.3 
million cases are diagnosed each year. In a 2009 report, the National 
Cancer Institute estimates there will be 192,370 new breast cancer 
cases among women living in the United States. And in addition to these 
statistics, the disease continues to pose unique challenges to the 
African American community. Clearly, we must continue to educate and 
inform the American public about breast cancer and the importance of 
being proactive in having regular medical screenings, particularly 
focusing on individuals that belong to high-risk demographics. 
Accordingly, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure has achieved great 
strides in raising money for breast cancer research, community 
initiatives, and educating women about the disease.
  The impact of cancer within the African American community has been 
particularly devastating. The mortality rates for Blacks with breast, 
colon, prostate, and lung cancer are much higher than those of any 
other racial group. Although African American women are less likely to 
be diagnosed with breast cancer than other racial and ethnic groups, 
they are 35 percent more likely to die from the disease. This is due in 
part to the fact that Black and Hispanic women are less likely to 
receive breast cancer screening with mammograms than White women.
  Research has proven that early detection is essential in increasing 
an individual's chance of beating the disease. Thus, community outreach 
and education go a long way in combating breast cancer mortality rates. 
The Susan G. Komen Foundation has invested more than $1.3 billion in 
breast cancer research, education, and community health services that 
have raised awareness and improved treatment, helping more people 
survive the disease and creating a strong support community of breast 
cancer survivors. Undoubtedly, the organization has done much to 
advance our national fight against breast cancer, and it certainly 
deserves our recognition for the great work it has accomplished.
  Mr. Speaker, as a strong advocate for breast cancer research, 
community outreach, and awareness campaigns, I am pleased to add my 
voice of support for House Concurrent Resolution 109.
  Mrs. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Race for the 
Cure in the Nation's Capital and its transition, on June 6, 2009, to 
the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure. With its headquarters 
located within my congressional district in Dallas, Susan G. Komen for 
the Cure reaches out both nationally and globally to women affected by 
breast cancer. I am pleased to honor the foundation today as they 
celebrate their achievements and continue to move forward in creating a 
world without breast cancer.
  Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded by Nancy G. Brinker in 1982 
on the basis of fulfilling a promise she made to her sister, Susan G. 
Komen. Her promise was to end breast cancer forever. Since its 
establishment, Susan G. Komen has raised $1.2 billion from events like 
the Race for the Cure, contributing the largest source of non-profit 
funds dedicated to fighting breast cancer. As a result, there have been 
several advances in the fight against breast cancer. There is now 
increased government funding in cancer research, prevention, and 
funding, and an increased chance of survival due to earlier detection.
  Over the next ten years, Susan G. Komen for the Cure will continue to 
contribute to the fight against breast cancer. The foundation plans to 
invest an additional $2 billion to help find a cure for breast cancer 
and better the lives of women all across the world. As a former nurse, 
I am honored to congratulate them on their 20th anniversary of the Race 
for the Cure in the Nation's Capital, as well as their transition to a 
global organization.
  Mrs. CAPPS. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Holden). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
109.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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