Senate Passes Coleman Legislation to Battle Childhood Cancer

Press Release

SENATE PASSES COLEMAN LEGISLATION TO BATTLE CHILDHOOD CANCER

Senators unanimously pass legislation that will target childhood cancer and provide support for victims and their families

Senator Norm Coleman today announced the Senate passed the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007, legislation he has been actively working to push through Congress since he first introduced it in March of 2006. The bill provides $30 million per year through 2013 to establish special programs of research excellence in the area of pediatric cancers; create a national childhood cancer database; and increase information support for families affected by childhood cancer. There are 64 bipartisan cosponsors of this legislation, including the Senate Minority and Majority Leaders. The bill overwhelmingly passed the House last month by a vote of 416 to 0. The bill now heads to the President's desk.

"The passage of this bill is a monumental step in the fight against childhood cancer," Coleman said. "Childhood cancer tragically affects 1 in every 385 children in Minnesota, so it is critical for researchers, physicians and families to have the tools needed to confront this devastating disease. Behind this tragic statistic are stories of brave children like my friend and fishing buddy Wyatt Rech - a childhood cancer survivor, who had a large hand in this bill. After more than two years of pushing the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act through Congress, I am proud that my colleagues were able to come together and pass legislation that will provide the resources to not only support children and families with childhood cancer, but also find a cure."

More than 12,000 American children are diagnosed with cancer each year and more than 2000 will succumb to this devastating disease. In Minnesota, about 160 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer and about 25 children die of cancer each year.

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