WASHINGTON, D.C. -- January 15, 2009 -- The House of Representatives today unveiled its version of the long-awaited economic stimulus package. The proposal contains a significant funding boost for the public health community, including money for NIH research, prevention and wellness programs, health information technology and community health organizations. The House Appropriations Committee is expected to consider the legislation next week, with the bill going to the House floor the week after.
The following is a statement on the stimulus package from Daniel E. Smith, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network:
“The $3.9 billion provided for the National Institutes of Health in the new House economic stimulus bill is not only an essential part of a larger plan to create jobs and shore up the economy, but is also a critical component in the broad effort to fight cancer and reduce cancer mortality.
“These funds will provide the necessary resources and support to cancer centers and researchers across the country to help them pursue research opportunities with the greatest likelihood of positively changing how we prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
“We applaud House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI) for his longstanding leadership in the House and commitment to funding for cancer research. Millions of cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones are calling on their elected officials to help make this funding a reality to demonstrate that medical research and access to health care are good for people and good for the economy.”
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit https://www.fightcancer.org/.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Alissa Havens
Phone: (202) 661-5772
Email: [email protected]
Christina Saull
Phone: (202) 585-3250
Email: [email protected]
