Breast Cancer & Environmental Research Act

[pecwae]

"The Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act, with 255 co-sponsors, deserves a House vote. I urge you to bring this bill to the floor for a vote today!"

1) Speaker Dennis Hastert (202-225-0600)
2) Majority Leader John Boehner (202-225-4000)
3) Republican Conference Chair Deborah Pryce (202-225-5107)

Women throughout the USA are making daily phone calls to try to salvage the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act. This bill proposes establishment of five centers of excellence to explore environmental connections and breast cancer. With so many cosigners, it seems almost a 'sure' thing. But in Congress money talks more than powerfully than the combined suffering of the 42,000+ women diagnosed each year with breast cancer. Since over 90% of them do NOT have a family connection suspicion has fallen on environmental pollutants. There are thousands to which we are exposed daily. One senator placed a 'hold' on this bill. But it stopped all the momentum. So now the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research Foundation, working with the National Breast Cancer Coalition is seeking ways to move this bill forward in the last week of Congress.

Statement of National Breast Cancer Coalition President Fran Visco
on lost opportunity for women's health during NIH reauthorization hearing

September 20, 2006
Today a majority of the House Energy and Commerce Committee dealt a serious blow to women's health research during the debate leading to passage of the NIH reauthorization bill. Leading the charge for women, Representatives Lois Capps and Henry Waxman offered an amendment to fund the study of the possible impacts of environmental factors on breast cancer, an issue of critical importance to women throughout the United States. When they offered to withdraw this amendment in return for a promise from Chairman Barton to bring the stalled Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act before the committee at a later time, the Chairman refused. The amendment was then defeated on a party line vote, with only Republican Charles Bass of New Hampshire voting for women's health.

America is about to launch into October, breast cancer awareness month, a sea of pink, an ocean of empty promises. Chairman Barton and the majority of the committee blew the opportunity to do something with real impact for women and their families. The Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act has broad bipartisan support-255 co-sponsors, including a majority of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Where were they when demonstrating their commitment to ending breast cancer would have counted? Shame on them. We demand that House leadership bring this bill to the floor for a vote before Congress adjourns. Women of this country are watching and waiting and we will hold them accountable.


edit to add: I'm going to have to get rid of this avatar I suppose. Let me know if anyone can think of a better one I could use to show support for all fellow cancer sufferers. Thanks for for support in the above action!