Bipartisan Legislation Seeks to Enhance Funding for Pediatric Cancer Research

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Jamie Herrera Beutler (WA-03), and Dwight Evans (PA-03), reintroduced the Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act. This legislation seeks to adjust federal funding levels for pediatric cancer at a fairer percentage rate than is currently allocated.

Specifically, the Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act would ensure federal funds for pediatric cancer research match the same percentage of the number of American citizens under the age of eighteen years as part of the general population.

“There are few things more heart-wrenching than seeing a child battle cancer,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “No child should ever have to suffer through the pain of cancer, nor should any parent have to watch their child struggle and fight to survive. This legislation takes steps to ensure pediatric cancer researchers have the funding necessary to save the many lives of children fighting cancer. I am proud to introduce this life-saving legislation with Representatives Gottheimer, Stefanik, Murphy, Kelly, Kim, Herrera Beutler, and Evans as we present a united and bipartisan front to combat and defeat pediatric cancer.”

“Pediatric cancer is a cruel, horrific disease, and it's heartbreaking because there are children behind every statistic. It has touched far too many families, including my own. With this bipartisan Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act, and by working with my friend Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, federal investment will finally be equitably distributed to pediatric cancer research," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer. "With so much cutting-edge research and life sciences development taking place in New Jersey, this boost in investment will mean that our state will play a key role in finding cures, changing lives, and saving lives — for kids in New Jersey, nationwide, and around the world."

“Nearly 16,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year,” said Rep. Stefanik. “Children are the most vulnerable among us, and it’s simply unacceptable that the government spends a miniscule amount of funding on pediatric cancer research. This legislation will ensure pediatric cancer researchers have the funding they need to save the lives of kids afflicted with cancer. Every day that passes without the necessary funding for pediatric cancers is another day lost, and I urge Speaker Pelosi to swiftly bring this bill to the Floor.”

“Childhood cancer devastates families emotionally and financially,” said Rep. Murphy. “This bipartisan legislation is absolutely critical in our fight to beat childhood cancer and will ensure that researchers have all the resources they need to save young lives.”

“I firmly believe that the day is drawing nearer when no child ever has to hear the words, “You have cancer” again.  The Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act will help in the fight to end pediatric cancer,” said Rep. Kelly.

"Defeating childhood cancer means making smarter investments in research. This bill would give the children and their families suffering through cancer, and the men and women working to save them, a real fighting chance at hope. I'm proud to work alongside Congressman Fitzpatrick and this bipartisan group to introduce this bill and to be a voice for those who see cancer's impact every day,” said Rep. Kim.

“Childhood cancer is so devastating for the families, parents, and guardians of those kids who have been diagnosed. While we’ve made progress in the fight against pediatric cancer, we need to invest in robust research to keep going in the search for treatments and cures. I’m helping introduce the bipartisan Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act to ensure research is adequately funded so we can reduce childhood cancer rates across our country,” said Rep. Herrera Beutler.

“Cancer can be so devastating at any age, and it can be especially difficult for kids diagnosed with it and their families. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill that would help ensure an equitable amount of federal funding for pediatric cancer research,” said Rep. Evans.

“There is no cause greater than the fight for our children’s right to grow up to be adults,” said Mina Carroll, Co-Founder of the Storm the Heavens Fund. “This is not about red or blue, this is about right or wrong. There is no reason this bill should not have unanimous support from everybody in Congress.”

According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, each year in the United States, approximately 1 in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer before they turn 20. Cancer remains the leading cause of death among children in the United States.

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