Meng Amendment Secures $8 Million for Cancer Research

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) passed legislation today securing an additional $8 million for the Department of Defense Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program. The Congresswoman’s amendment was attached to H.R. 5293, the “Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017.”

The multi-million dollar increase in research funding will be used to combat bladder cancer, brain cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, lymphoma, melanoma and other skin cancers, mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, and cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults.

“I’m pleased that the House of Representatives unanimously agreed to allocate additional federal dollars to combat diseases that kill millions of Americans every year,” said Meng. “Too many lives are lost far too early, and it is my hope that this funding will contribute to finding a cure for these horrific cancers. We all know someone whose life has been touched by a cancer victim or cancer survivor. I hope that one day Americans will not have to know that pain.”

The Meng amendment was supported by Action to Cure Kidney Cancer, American Brain Tumor Association, American Urological Association, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, Bladder Cancer Action Network, Fight Colorectal Cancer, Melanoma Research Foundation, and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The Department of Defense Appropriations Act is the annual spending bill that funds the Department of Defense. This bill appropriates $575 billion for Department of Defense activities in fiscal year 2017.

The $8 million increase brings the Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program up to the Senate’s funding level for the account, significantly improving the likelihood that the increased funding amount will be signed into law.

Additional information about the Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program can be found here: https://cdmrp.army.mil/prcrp/.