[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16748]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



              THE BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER TREATMENT ACT

  Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, last month, the Finance Committee reported a 
bill by voice vote to provide treatment for low-income women identified 
as having breast or cervical cancer through a federal screening 
program. I rise today to urge the Senate to expeditiously take up and 
pass this legislation.
  In 1990, the Senate unanimously approved establishment of the 
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, a CDC 
program which has expanded screening for these diseases to over one 
million women. Unfortunately, after receiving diagnosis, many of these 
women find themselves without health insurance and with no one to turn 
to for treatment. This is unconscionable--it's time to finish the job.
  Earlier this summer, I hosted women's health forums in Virginia to 
discuss with women health concerns of priority. Breast and cervical 
cancer survivors asked me to come to you and my distinguished 
colleagues and urge your support for swift passage of this legislation. 
I was pleased to support the bill in Committee, and I am happy to echo 
their words to you.
  73 Senators have cosponsored this proposal and the House of 
Representatives, in May, passed companion legislation with overwhelming 
support. Mr. President, on behalf of all women, I urge the Senate to 
take up and pass this legislation as soon as possible.

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