Rep. Cole Redirects Funding For Pediatric Cancer Research
Today during the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee markup, U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) worked with members of the Committee to redirect $10 million dollars of funding for pediatric cancer research and eradication efforts. Cole is Oklahoma's sole member of the House Appropriations Committee.
Specifically, language inserted into the manager's amendment at Congressman Cole's request will redistribute money away from the Department of Health and Human Services' administrative budget, and instead apply it to the National Cancer Institute in order to conduct special research into pediatric cancers. This redistribution will finally provide funding for the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008. Former Congresswoman Deborah Pryce introduced the bill which is named for her daughter, Caroline. The legislation was passed in 2008 by a vote of 416-0. Prior to today the program had received no federal funding. In addition, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) helped secure the language that was included in the bill that ensures a portion of the Caroline Pryce Walker Act was funded as there is an ongoing childhood cancer cluster study happening in his district.
"I am pleased that I was able to help redirect these funds towards researching pediatric cancer," Congressman Cole said. "There are very few people whose lives are not touched in some way by cancer. But it is particularly heart-wrenching when children are stricken by the disease. We have a responsibility to combat pediatric cancer by investing in promising technology and research efforts that will help cure the disease."
"I want to thank Chairman Obey for his willingness to negotiate and make sure this money is put to good use. In addition, Congressman Latta deserves kudos for his efforts to move the Caroline Pryce Walker Act forward. This is an example of a truly bipartisan effort to help research and eradicate a serious health concern that has affected many of our nation's children."
The legislative language that directs the funding of the Caroline Pryce Walker Act will be included in the manager's amendment. It is considered a budget neutral allocation. The manager's amendment will be applied to the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill when it goes to the floor. The bill will likely be introduced on the floor of the House sometime in the next few weeks.