U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Debbie Dingell introduced the Knock Out Cancer Act, legislation that would provide an investment in cancer research funding, increasing cancer research funding allocated to the National Institutes of Health by 25%. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., behind heart disease.
The Knock Out Cancer Act was introduced on the 50th anniversary of the National Cancer Act of 1971, signed into law by President Richard Nixon.
“In 1971, the National Cancer Act was signed into law, and our nation declared war on cancer,” Fitzpatrick said. “Fifty years later, we have made significant headway in the fight for a cure, but there is so much more work to be done. Current federal funding levels for cancer research do not match the rate at which people are suffering and dying from this lethal disease. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan KO Cancer Act for all of the victims, survivors, families and friends whose lives have been impacted by cancer. As is the case for so many in America, this fight is personal to me. We must not stop until we eradicate this disease forever and spare parents, children and families of the pains of cancer.”
Fitzpatrick is co-chairman of the Congressional Cancer Caucus.
