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McCaul, Van Hollen, Speier Childhood Cancer Bill Passes U.S. House

December 6, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, co-chairs of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, Congressmen Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Chris Van Hollen (MD-08), and incoming co-chair Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), applaud the U.S. House passage of H.R. 3381, Childhood Cancer STAR Act.

The STAR Act addresses the four major concerns facing the pediatric cancer community today: Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research.

“The passage of the STAR Act is a critical step in the right direction in the fight against childhood cancer,” McCaul said.  “It is the most comprehensive childhood cancer bill ever considered before this Congress.  It would allow us to better understand the causes of pediatric cancer and the effects of treatment, provide doctors with resources necessary to help identify children who may be at risk, and improve collaboration among providers so doctors are better able to care for survivors.  I am proud of our efforts to pass this bill on behalf of the children and families in Texas and across the country.”

“With Washington divided on many issues, we must find common ground whenever possible ‎-- especially when it comes to taking care of the most vulnerable in our society. Passage of the Childhood Cancer STAR Act should serve as an example of how we can come together to make progress for the thousands of children in Maryland and across our country who are afflicted with cancer. I want to thank childhood cancer patients, survivors, and advocates for working with us to give hope to children battling this disease,” said Van Hollen.

"Battling cancer is one of the worst ordeals that any child and their parents can face,” said Speier. “And for many children and their families, that fight does not end with remission. With as many as two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors experiencing secondary cancers or follow-up complications to their treatment, it is imperative that we have a strategy to improve their care. The House passage of the Childhood Cancer STAR Act is an important step forward in addressing this terrible disease and improving the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors and their families.”

Background:

Congressmen Michael McCaul and Chris Van Hollen co-founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus seven years ago as a platform to advocate for children and families across the country who have been impacted by this life-altering diagnosis.  The co-chairs for next Congress will be Representatives McCaul (R-TX), Speier (D-CA), Butterfield (D-NC), and Kelly (R-PA).

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