Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) were recognized recently by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Association for Cancer Research, the Association of American Cancer Institutes, and Friends of Cancer Research for their outstanding commitment to cancer research and leadership in funding for biomedical science.
The two Members of Congress were honored at a reception May 15 attended by the leadership and members of the cancer organizations, who came to Capitol Hill to meet with House and Senate offices. The physicians, researchers, and advocates called on legislators to support increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to sustain the momentum in making progress against cancer.
Both Cancer Survivors
Sen. Shelby, Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, has been outspoken about the role of the NIH both in saving lives and as an investment in our nation’s economic future.
“As a cancer survivor, I appreciate the importance of promoting life-saving scientific advancements,” Sen. Shelby said. “Therefore, I am proud to support the advocacy efforts of cancer researchers, physicians, and patient advocates in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of all who are affected by cancer.”
As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Labor HHS Subcommittee, Rep. DeLauro has been a tireless advocate for federal funding of biomedical research.
“Before I came to Congress, I survived ovarian cancer,” Rep. DeLauro said. “I was one of the lucky ones, with my cancer found by chance in its earliest stage and I have now been cancer-free for 27 years. But no one should survive by luck. Biomedical research saved my life, as it has saved the lives of countless others. We need to invest more in medical research and our public health infrastructure, not less. I am proud to support those efforts and will keep fighting for those priorities.”
“We applaud Sen. Shelby and Rep. DeLauro for their leadership in supporting cancer research that has significantly improved the lives of people with cancer,” said Sandra M. Swain, MD, FACP, ASCO Immediate Past President. “They have been steadfast partners in their commitment to sustained support for biomedical research.” ■
