This is an increase of $214 million above last year’s level and $55 million above the President’s request.  C3 is very pleased with this proposed increase, and applauds the leadership of Chairwoman De Lauro, Ranking Member Kingston and the members of the Subcommittee.

Earlier this month, C3 advocates went to Capitol Hill to urge Congress to increase funding for the FDA.  Register today as a C3 advocate, and we will update you on what you can do to help us make sure this increased funding for the FDA stays in the bill as it moves through the appropriations process.

Chairwoman DeLauro released the following statement following subcommittee approval of the bill highlighting the importance of FDA funding while also emphasizing some areas of Congressional concern with the agency:

“The Food and Drug Administration is always one of the most important agencies under our purview, particularly given that more than 20 cents of every dollar spent by American consumers is on an FDA-regulated product…I believe there is strong leadership at the FDA under Commissioner Hamburg.  But I remain concerned about the existing structure at the agency, especially as it pertains to drug safety.

So we have included targeted resources to help make a difference in this area, including an additional $65 million for staff to review generic drug applications, drug company ads targeted at consumers, and, for the first time to my knowledge, an increase specifically for review of drug company ads to doctors.  We are also funding more safety reviews for drugs already on the market, more inspections of foreign drug facilities, and providing more funds to safeguard clinical trials and improve the oversight of imported foods. For example, the bill includes:

• A $15 million increase over the request for the office of generic drugs
• A $3 million increase for the review of direct consumer ads
• A $2 million for the review of communications to medical professionals in the Division of Drug Marketing and Communication
• A $7 million increase over the request for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health
• A $16 million increase over the request for the center and field activities in the Center for Food Safety and Applied nutrition related to imported food safety.

In addition, we have included report language that we worked on with Sen. Grassley and Congressman Hinchey that outlines the need to create an independent office on post-market drug evaluation.  Thank you Congressman Hinchey for your leadership on this issue.  As we learned from the hearing the subcommittee held about the Avandia case, there may be an inherent bias when those that approve drugs continue to play a role in determining their safety in a post-market environment.

We have also included report language that we worked on with Congresswoman Emerson that directs FDA to provide a report on the status of developing standards for a track and trace system for prescription drugs, one that would document all parties involved in the prior sale, purchase, and trade of a given prescription drug beginning with the manufacturer.  This is critical to improving the security of the drug supply chain from counterfeit or other substandard products and to protecting consumers.  Thank you Congresswoman Emerson for your work and leadership on this.”

Congresswoman DeLauro’s complete statement discussing all the funding in the bill is available on the House Appropriations Committee website.

C3′s Grassroots Action Committee Chair Pam Seijo, Grassroots Action Committee Members Florence Kurttila, Arlene Murphy, and Ed Murphy, along with C3 advocates Patti Hollenback, Cindy Robinson, and Regan Weaver are all participating in the annual One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) Lobby Day.

Follow us on Twitter @FightCRCAdvocacy for the latest updates from the hill.

During their meetings today, C3 advocates will be asking Congress to support the following funding requests for fiscal year 2011:

• $35.2 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• $5.79 billion for National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• $240 million for the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD)
• $601 million for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cancer programs
• $50 million for CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program
• $50 million for CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Screening, Education & Outreach Initiative
• $65 million for CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries
• $2.857 billion for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

This year we have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the tremendous advances made in the fight against cancer thanks to recent increases in federal funding and urging Congress to build on this progress.  Want to help us?  Register today as a C3 advocate and we will keep you posted on future opportunities to make your voice heard in the fight against colorectal cancer.

C3′s Grassroots Action Committee Chair Pam Seijo, Grassroots Action Committee Members Florence Kurttila, Arlene Murphy, and Ed Murphy, along with C3 advocates Patti Hollenback, Cindy Robinson, and Regan Weaver will be heading to Capitol Hill tomorrow to talk to Congress about the importance of increasing federal funding for cancer research and cancer control programs.

Today, the advocates will be getting advice from former Representative Bud Cramer and from a number of Congressional health staff, including:

• Anne Morris, Professional Staff, House Committee on Energy and Commerce
• Jeremy Sharp, Legislative Director, Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT)
• Adrienne Hallett, Professional Staff, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services

The training the advocates receive today will get them ready to take on Congress tomorrow during meetings with their Senators and Representatives.  C3 is participating in the OVAC Lobby Day along with numerous other cancer advocacy groups.  Interested in learning more about the OVAC coalition?  Check out their website.

Ms. Bauman thanked the Subcommittee members for including $15 million for the Department of Defense (DoD)’s Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) in the fiscal year 2010 bill and urged them to increase the level of funding for the PRCRP to $50 million in fiscal year 2011.

C3 is making the request for funding along with other advocacy groups representing the eight research areas in the PRCRP.  The program, funded through the DoD’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) supports high-quality cancer research, concentrating its resources on mechanisms which complement rather than duplicate the research approaches of the major funders of medical research in the United States.

The PRCRP also represents a unique partnership among the public, Congress, and the military.  Congress has required the DoD to ensure that the research funded through the program has relevance to service members and their families.  The research can help service members exposed to toxins and decrease the more than $1 billion that the DoD spends on cancer care.

Although the cancers included in this program are diverse, the research on these disease types is often synergistic. Advances or progress related to one cancer fuels the research on the other cancers in this program, and treatments initially approved for one cancer are routinely found to be effective in others.

In her testimony, Ms. Bauman advised the Subcommittee that areas of focus for colorectal cancer research in the PRCRP could be:

• An inexpensive, non-invasive, accurate screening test;
• Predictive markers to identify who will benefit from which treatments; and
• Accurate diagnostics that can evaluate the markers.

Discoveries resulting from investment in PRCRP research have the potential to transform the investigation of cancer, through the development of new prevention strategies and therapies, and someday, cures.  A $50 million investment will greatly enhance and accelerate such breakthroughs.  It is an opportunity to advance the best research to eradicate diseases and support the warfighter for the benefit of the American public.

Ms. Bauman’s complete testimony is available online here.

A list of the other witnesses who testified at the hearing is available here.

Important Dates:

• May 12, 2010 – Last day to submit scholarship application
• May 24, 2010 – Last day to register for OVAC Lobby Day
• May 24, 2010 – Last day to reserve a hotel room at the special OVAC rate
• June 16, 2010 – Lobby Day begins at 12:00 PM
• June 17, 2010 – Lobby Day ends at 5:00 PM

Location: The Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel (415 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC  20001)

OVAC has negotiated a discounted room rate of $269 a night at the The Liaison Capitol Hill hotel, and all training sessions will be held at this hotel.

Register today for the OVAC Lobby Day.

During the Lobby Day, you will be going to the hill to ask Members of Congress to support increased funding for cancer research.  Specifically, you will be asking Members to support the following funding requests:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) – $35.2 billion ($4.2 billion (13.5%) over FY 2010)
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) – $5.79 billion ($691 million (13.5%) over FY 2010)
• National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) – $240 million ($29 million (13.5%) over FY 2010)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (CDC) – $601 million ($126 million (26%) over FY 2010)
• CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program – $50 million ($29 million over FY 2010)
• CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries – $65 million ($14 million over FY 2010)
• CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Screening, Education & Outreach Initiative – $50 million ($5 million over FY 2010)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – $2.857 billion ($500 million (21%) over FY 2010)

This year we have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the tremendous advances made in the fight against cancer thanks to recent increases in federal funding and urging Congress to build on this progress.  Register today to let your voice be heard regarding the importance of increased funding for cancer research.

Register today for the OVAC Lobby Day.

The registration deadline is May 24, 2010.  When you register, you will be asked to select a participant type.  You should select “OVAC Partners” and be sure to identify yourself as a C3 advocate.  If you have any problems with the registration form, or would like additional information about the OVAC Lobby Day please contact Catherine Knowles at Catherine.Knowles@FightCRC.org.

The program will research cancers, like colorectal cancer, that are not addressed in the breast, prostate, lung and ovarian cancer research programs run by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command (USAMRMC).  In addition to colorectal cancer research, the funds will be used to conduct research in the following areas: melanoma and other skin cancers, pediatric brain tumors within the field of childhood cancer research, genetic cancer research and genomic medicine, kidney cancer, blood cancer, Listeria Vaccine for infectious disease and cancer, and radiation protection utilizing nanotechnology.

The $15 million in funding for this new cancer research program was included at the request of Representatives Kay Granger (R-TX) and Jim Moran (D-VA).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 16, 2009

C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition
1414 Prince Street, Suite 204
Alexandria, VA 22314
http://www.fightcolorectalcancer.org

Contact:  Catherine Knowles (202) 276-5682

House Creates New Cancer Research Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As a result of C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition’s advocacy efforts, $15 million for a new peer reviewed cancer research program is included in the final Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill.

This new cancer research program will research cancers, like colorectal cancer, that are not addressed in the breast, prostate, lung and ovarian cancer research programs run by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command.

The $15 million in funding for this new cancer research program was included in the final bill at the request of Representatives Kay Granger (R-TX) and Jim Moran (D-VA).

Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX) released the following statement today following House passage of the defense bill:

“I was pleased to support funding for colorectal cancer research through the establishment of a new peer reviewed cancer research program.  Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the US.  However, federal funding for colorectal cancer research has lagged behind funding for other diseases and I was pleased to support the creation of a peer reviewed cancer research program that will help to address this disparity.”

Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) released the following statement today following House passage of the defense bill:

“The recognition of the need for peer-reviewed research of colorectal cancer in the Defense Appropriations Bill is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of C3. They are as well informed as they are nice, an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Dr. John L. Marshall, Division Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Georgetown University Hospital, Associate Director, Clinical Research, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, released the following statement today following House passage of the defense bill:

“As a researcher, I know first hand how difficult it is to secure funding for innovative cancer research. The $15 million in funding for a new peer reviewed cancer research program will not only help attract new researchers but it will play an important role in developing new treatments for colorectal cancer. I look forward to the implementation of this new program and the discoveries and innovations the funding will secure.”

Carlea Bauman, President of C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition released the following statement today following House passage of the defense bill:

“The $15 million in funding for this new peer reviewed cancer research program will fund research efforts that investigate new methods of studying early detection, screening and treatment of colorectal cancer as well as attracting new researchers to the field. Today marks an important milestone in the fight against colorectal cancer with research on track to receive its fair share of federal resources. We thank the House Appropriations Committee, and especially Representatives Granger and Moran for recognizing the need to step up the fight against this disease.”

C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C3) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization seeking to eliminate suffering and death due to colorectal cancer. C3 pushes for research to improve screening, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer; advocates for policy decisions that make the most effective colorectal cancer prevention and treatment available to all; and works to increase awareness that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable.

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Download press release in PDF format.

We need your help to get Congress to continue to increase funding for colorectal cancer programs next year!  Register now to join us at the 2010 Call-on Congress, and continue reading for more details on fiscal year 2010 funding for cancer programs and research.

The conference report includes $74 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services – an increase of $6.3 billion or 8.5 percent over last year.

In addition to the $45 million in funding for colorectal cancer programs at the CDC, the conference report includes an increase of $30 million over fiscal year 2009 (8.8 percent increase) for CDC cancer prevention and control programs.

It includes $31 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The funding for NIH is a $692 million increase over fiscal year 2009 (22.3 percent increase).

The funding for NIH includes $5.1 billion for the National Cancer Institute, a 2.8 percent increase over fiscal year 2009, and $212 million for the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, a 2.7 percent increase over fiscal year 2009.

Bill text is available online along with the manager’s statement (this is the part of the bill that includes earmark funding).

Yesterday evening, House and Senate appropriators met to consider a conference report.  The report is an omnibus package that includes six of the fiscal year 2010 appropriations bills.  It includes: (1) the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill (this is the bill that funds a number of cancer programs through NIH, CDC, and NCI); (2) the Commerce Justice Science Appropriations bill; (3) the Financial Services Appropriations bill; (4) the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill; (5) the Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill; and (6) the Transportation and Housing Appropriations bill.  The bill text is available online along with the manager’s statement (this is the part of the bill that includes earmark funding).

The conference report includes nearly $450 billion in spending for fiscal year 2010, and could come to the floor for a vote in the House as early as tomorrow.

Although very large, this first conference report does not include the Department of Defense Appropriations bill.  A second package will be needed expected to complete consideration of the defense bill before the current continuing resolution expires on December 18.

House and Senate appropriators are scheduled to meet Thursday afternoon to consider this second conference report that will include fiscal year 2010 funding for the Department of Defense.  This second conference report is expected to include the funding C3 requested for a new peer reviewed cancer research program to focus on colorectal cancer research.  In addition to funding for the Department of Defense, this second conference report is expected to include a jobs package using TARP money, an estate tax fix, an extension of the highway trust fund, and an increase of the debt limit.

The second appropriations conference report will be considered on the floor in the House next week.

The Senate will take up both conference reports after the House passes them. This timetable will allow Congress to send the bills to the President and wrap up consideration of all the fiscal year appropriations bills before the end of the year.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) have authored a Senate Dear Colleague Letter in support of increasing the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) budget to $6 billion in Fiscal Year 2010 and doubling NCI’s budget over the next five years.

“We ask that you lend your support to financing research that may lead to cures for cancer in our lifetimes.” The letter went on to say, “We are at a real turning point for cancer research, but whether we actually turn that corner will depend on available resources.”

We urge everyone to contact their Senators and ask them to sign onto this letter. The deadline for signatures is May 8th. Click here to find your Senators office number.

Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA)

Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Cancer Survivor and Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Committee, has decided to leave the Republican Party and run in the 2010 Democratic primary. You can read the Senator’s statement below.

April 28, 2009

Statement by Senator Arlen Specter

I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.

Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.

When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.

Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.

I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary.

I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.

I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the Party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides. I thank specially Senators McConnell and Cornyn for their forbearance.

I am not making this decision because there are no important and interesting opportunities outside the Senate. I take on this complicated run for re-election because I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania’s economy.

I am taking this action now because there are fewer than thirteen months to the 2010 Pennsylvania Primary and there is much to be done in preparation for that election. Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle.

While each member of the Senate caucuses with his Party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation. The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation.

My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.

Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy’s statement that sometimes Party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.