Press Room

Share

Cancer Research Groups Push Emergency Funding to Restart Clinical Trials in Infrastructure Package

Estimated $10 Billion Necessary to Recoup Pandemic-Related Costs and Delays

May 3, 2021

Washington, D.C.—A group of more than fifty cancer research-focused organizations are urging Congress to include $10 billion in emergency funding to restart cancer research and clinical trials at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) stalled by the coronavirus pandemic.  In a letter sent to lawmakers, members of the One Voice Against Cancer Coalition say without the additional resources in the forthcoming American Jobs Plan, promising research will languish and potentially be lost entirely.

A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, follows:

“The pandemic’s impact on cancer research has been severe. Early shutdowns forced research to come to an abrupt halt, and restarting trials has required implementing new protocols, procuring personal protective equipment and sometimes restarting work altogether that otherwise could not be resumed. The cost of these disruptions has been significant and threatens to jeopardize progress in the effort to reduce our country’s cancer burden for years to come.

“Clinical trials are often the best and sometimes only course of treatment for patients in need of care. On behalf of all cancer patients, survivors and their families, we urge Congress to include this additional NIH funding in the American Jobs Plan and ensure medical research can keep moving forward without delay.”

Read the full letter.

More Press Releases AboutCancer Research Funding, National

Media Contacts

Allison Miller
Director, Media Advocacy
Washington, D.C.
[email protected]
202-585-3241
Alissa Crispino
Vice President, Media Advocacy & Communications
Washington, D.C.
[email protected]
202-661-5772

Related Press Releases

May 1, 2026

Bipartisan Legislation Aimed at Improving Access to Clinical Trials for Patients Introduced in the Senate

A new bill that would improve access to clinical trials was recently introduced  in the U.S. Senate. Sponsored by Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (S. 4440) would help reduce cost and geographic barriers, making it easier for patients to take part in clinical trials. U.S. Representatives Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas) introduced the House version (H.R. 3512) of this legislation in May 2025.

Read More
April 3, 2026

Congress Must Continue Bipartisan Commitment to Cancer Research and Prevention Funding Amid Insufficient Investment in President’s Budget

As the administration releases its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is calling on Congress to maintain its longstanding bipartisan commitment to robust, increased investments in cancer research and prevention.  

Read more
March 24, 2026

Cancer Action Day Puts Alabama Research on Display, Urges Continued Investment

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In a show of unity among scientists across Alabama, more than 50 cancer researchers from multiple universities will gather for a symposium at the State House in Montgomery on Tuesday, March 31.

Read more