Van Hollen Press Release on Passage of Law to Fight Childhood Cancer

Washington, DC – Congressman Chris Van Hollen today announced that the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1553, legislation to fight pediatric cancer. The bill, which Van Hollen co-authored along with Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH), would dramatically increase federal funding for childhood cancer research. It passed unanimously.

“This legislation will bring us one step closer to eradicating pediatric cancer,” said Congressman Chris Van Hollen. “No child should have to experience and suffer the effects of cancer, and no parent should have to see their child suffer.”

Van Hollen and Pryce worked with CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation of Bethesda, Maryland, the world's largest cooperative cancer research organization, to advance this legislation.

Cancer is the number one killer of children under the age of fifteen who die from a disease. The bill targets federal resources and research dollars against the cancers afflicting children nationwide, and elevates our nation’s prioritization of pediatric cancer through additional funding, improved treatment, and more centralized, accessible information for researchers and families.

H.R. 1553 has 223 cosponsors in the House. In November 2007, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee unanimously approved the companion bill, S. 911, sponsored by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI).

The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act includes the following provisions:

Ø Centers of Excellence for Childhood Cancer Research: This legislation enhances and expands biomedical research programs in childhood cancer through an existing National Cancer Institute-designated multi-center national infrastructure.

Ø National Childhood Cancer Research Database: It will establish a population-based childhood cancer database to evaluate the incidence trends of childhood cancers and to further investigate genetic epidemiology in order to develop and implement prevention and treatment strategies.

Ø Outreach and Education for Pediatric Cancer Patients and Families: In addition, the legislation provides for education and information services to patients and families affected by childhood cancer to ensure they are aware of and have access to appropriate clinical treatment as well as the array of needed support services.

Ø Authorization of Appropriations: $30 million annually for 5-fiscal year period.