[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 84 (Monday, June 7, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVOR'S DAY

  Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, I rise today in recognition of the 23rd 
annual National Cancer Survivor's Day and to celebrate those who have 
won the battle against this devastating disease.
  My wife Barbara is a breast cancer survivor, and I am a prostate 
cancer survivor. My family and I are well aware of the difficulties 
that come with seeing a loved one diagnosed with a serious illness such 
as cancer and are equally aware of the life-affirming joys that 
accompany survival.
  Cancer affects millions of individuals and families worldwide. 
Fortunately, more people are expected to survive cancer today than in 
the past, thanks to advancements in screening, diagnosing, and treating 
various forms of the disease. The National Cancer Institute estimates 
that approximately 11.4 million Americans with a history of cancer were 
alive in 2006.
  Saving lives means preventing cancer, finding it early, and 
continuing the search for a cure. Throughout my career in the U.S. 
House and Senate, I have strongly supported proposals that would 
advance research, funding, and education about all forms of cancer, 
such as those conducted at the National Institutes of Health, the 
Cancer Research Institute, as well as the Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention. Improved understanding of the biological and 
environmental causes of cancer will bring us ever closer to more 
effective treatments and eventually a cure.
  Today, however, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in 
the United States. The disease is expected to claim more than half a 
million lives in 2010, and the American Cancer Society estimates an 
additional 1.5 million new cases will be diagnosed this year.
  While increasing public awareness of cancer risk factors and the 
importance of early screening helps save lives, winning the war on 
cancer depends on access to affordable health care. Many cancers can be 
prevented or treated if caught at an early stage, but lifesaving 
screenings and treatments remain out of reach for millions of Americans 
with inadequate insurance or no coverage at all.
  This year Congress passed an extensive reform of our Nation's health 
care system that will benefit all families affected by cancer. This 
historic legislation emphasizes prevention, expands access to 
meaningful coverage, ends unfair practices by health insurance 
companies, and improves quality of life for cancer survivors through 
better management of chronic diseases.
  It is important to note that a survivor's battle does not end with 
successful treatment. Cancer patients face many side effects to 
treatment, as well as a continued risk of reoccurrence. Some treatments 
can permanently alter a patient's well-being and cause other health 
problems in the short and long terms. The security of meaningful and 
affordable health coverage is vital for cancer survivors to closely 
monitor their health for the rest of their lives.
  The millions of Americans with a history of cancer who are alive 
today demonstrate that the battle against this disease can be fought 
and won. National Cancer Survivor's Day provides an occasion to 
recognize cancer survivors, as well as learn more about this illness 
and its impact on our Nation and our families. Not only does cancer 
affect the patient but their spouses, children, and other family 
members as well. National Cancer Survivor's Day distinguishes all those 
who have experienced cancer in any form.
  Ms. LANDRIEU. Madam President, as we near the close of the 2010 
National Small Business Week, I am pleased to join Senator Olympia 
Snowe in introducing the Small Business Tax Equalization and Compliance 
Act of 2010, which extends a tax credit to salon owners for FICA taxes 
paid on employees' tipped income.
  Currently, salon owners are required to pay the employer's share of 
the FICA taxes on tips paid to employees even though owners do not 
control the amount of tips paid and do not get a share of the tips 
received. The Small Business Tax Equalization and Compliance Act of 
2010 would create a tax credit for employers to offset the matching 
FICA paid on employees' tips just like restaurants received. In 
addition, it includes education and reporting requirements which may 
reveal a valuable new source of tax revenues for the Federal 
Government.
  The salon industry is a vital and growing sector of America's 
economy. Not only will extending the tip tax credit to salon owners 
allow them to reinvest in their businesses and employees, but it will 
also grant new economic and employment opportunities in local 
communities. I urge my colleagues to support this bill which puts the 
professional beauty industry back on equal footing with the restaurant 
industry.

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