[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 64 (Thursday, April 30, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S2578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Mr. Enzi):
  S. 1170. A bill to amend title 39, United States Code, to extend the 
authority of the United States Postal Service to issue a semipostal to 
raise funds for breast cancer research, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation 
to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Research Stamp for 4 more years.
  Without Congressional action, this important and effective way of 
raising additional funds for critical research will expire at the end 
of this year. These stamps are sold for a little more than the cost of 
first class postage, so customers can choose to donate in a simple and 
easy way.
  Since 1998, more than 986 million breast cancer research stamps have 
been sold, raising over $80.4 million for breast cancer research. The 
funds have gone to support breast cancer research at both the National 
Institutes of Health, NIH, and the Department of Defense.
  For example, the National Institutes of Health has used proceeds from 
the Breast Cancer Research Stamp to fund the Maternal Pregnancy Factors 
and Breast Cancer Risk Study. This study was designed to identify 
possible connections between various conditions during pregnancy and 
breast cancer risk. After comparing information from women who 
delivered babies and were later diagnosed with breast cancer to women 
who delivered babies and were not diagnosed with breast cancer, 
researchers found that factors like preeclampsia or carrying twins may 
increase cancer risk. Knowing these risk factors helps both doctors and 
patients be vigilant about early screening.
  Thanks to breakthroughs in cancer research, more and more breast 
cancer patients are becoming survivors. Nearly all patients with breast 
cancer caught in the early stages now survive. That is incredible, and 
a testament to how important this research has been.
  Though despite our great successes, the need for continued research 
and improved screening and treatments remains high.
  Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in 
the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. One in eight 
women will be diagnosed, and more than 40,000 die from the disease each 
year.
  Though male breast cancer is less common, an estimated 2,350 men will 
be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
  The Breast Cancer Research Stamp provides a simple, convenient way 
for Americans to contribute toward this vitally important research. It 
also provides a symbol of hope for those affected by this disease.
  I thank Senator Enzi for joining me to support this bipartisan 
legislation and urge my colleagues to join us and ensure the stamp 
continues for another 4 years.
  This bill is supported by organizations including: the American 
Association of Cancer Research, AACR, American Cancer Society Cancer 
Action Network, ACS CAN, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 
ACOG, American College of Surgeons, Are You Defense Advocacy, Breast 
Cancer Fund, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Center for Women Policy 
Studies, Susan G. Komen, and the Tigerlily Foundation.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues on this important issue.

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