[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 14, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. Enzi, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. 
        Barrasso, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Casey, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Daines, Ms. 
        Duckworth, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Grassley, Ms. Hirono, Mrs. Hyde-
        Smith, Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Schatz, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. 
        Tester, Ms. Collins, Ms. Hassan, and Mrs. Shaheen):
  S. 1438. 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; to the Committee on Homeland 
Security and Governmental Affairs.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce, along with 
my friend Senator Enzi, the ``Breast Cancer Research Stamp 
Reauthorization Act.''
  Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in 
women. One in eight women will receive a diagnosis during her 
lifetime--and more than 40,000 women will die from the disease this 
year.
  The Breast Cancer Research Stamp was first issued in 1998 and has 
since raised almost $90 million for research into new, innovative 
treatments for breast cancer.
  A 2018 study that was partially funded by revenue from stamp sales 
found that most women diagnosed with a common early-stage breast cancer 
do not actually need chemotherapy as a part of their cancer treatment. 
Results from this study are expected to spare up to 70,000 U.S. 
patients a year from the cost and side effects associated with 
chemotherapy without it hurting their chances of beating the disease.
  Think about it. Simply purchasing a stamp could help spare thousands 
of women the pain they may experience when undergoing chemotherapy and 
side effects that range from hair loss to long-term organ damage. Not 
to mention the expense, with one basic round of chemo costing anywhere 
from $10,000 to $100,000. The stamp's ability to fund critical research 
like this study helps us take big steps forward in treating breast 
cancer for only a few more cents over the standard price of sending a 
letter.
  As we come back to work after Mother's Day, I invite the Senate to 
pause and remember all the women who have faced a diagnosis of breast 
cancer, not knowing what the outcome would be. I applaud as well the 
family and friends who have tirelessly supported them.
  The Breast Cancer Stamp currently costs 65 cents, 10 cents more than 
a traditional Forever stamp. The additional 10 cents helps support 
breast cancer research at the National Institutes of Health and the 
Department of Defense's Medical Research Program. Our bill would 
reauthorize the stamp for 8 more years through 2027.
  For these women and their families, this stamp is as meaningful to 
them as it is impactful to how we combat the disease now and in the 
future.
  I am honored to be joined by Senators Baldwin, Barrasso, Capito, 
Casey, Cramer, Collins, Daines, Duckworth, Durbin, Grassley, Hassan, 
Hirono, Hyde-Smith, Klobuchar, Rosen, Schatz, Shaheen, Stabenow, and 
Tester.
  I am very grateful for supporters of this bill, including the 
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American College of 
Surgeons, Susan G. Komen, the American Association for Cancer Research, 
the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, the Breast Cancer 
Research Foundation, and Are You Dense, Inc.
  As we celebrate the mothers in our lives this week, I urge my 
colleagues to join us in taking meaningful action to improve women's 
health.
  Thank you Mr. President and I yield the floor.
                                 ______