[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 37 (Monday, March 15, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H1412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             CANCER CLUSTER

  (Mr. ROONEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. ROONEY. Madam Speaker, today I had the opportunity to meet with a 
group of residents from an area of Palm Beach called ``The Acreage.'' 
Recently, a pediatric cancer cluster was confirmed in the Acreage, yet 
the cause is still unknown. In today's meeting, I spoke with mothers 
who have had children with brain tumors, along with other residents of 
the affected area. I was inspired by their optimism and dedication to 
this cause. They are not seeking to play the ``blame game.'' They are 
simply looking for answers. At the same time, I heard their frustration 
with the overall Federal Government involvement--or lack thereof.
  While the State and local health departments have been active in 
investigating and confirming the cluster at the local level, there are 
limits to what they can do and experiences they can draw on. And so 
today I call on the Federal involvement to improve. Action is needed 
now by the CDC and other agencies so they can lend their expertise and 
knowledge from other investigations to assist as we move forward. This 
is not a political or partisan issue. It's about finding answers to 
what caused the cancer cluster so my constituents can get on with their 
lives.

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