McCaul Celebrates Passage of Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), founder and co-chair of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, released the following statement after Congress passed the Childhood Cancer STAR (Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research) Reauthorization Act, legislation he introduced along with Representatives G. K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), and Jackie Speier (D-Calif.).
“Thirteen years ago, I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus to increase bipartisan efforts to address pediatric cancer and ultimately eliminate this heartbreaking disease. Each day since its passage, the STAR Act has brought us closer to that goal,” said Rep. McCaul. “The most comprehensive childhood cancer bill ever signed into law, the STAR Act works to improve the lives of cancer patients and cancer survivors through increased research. I’m thankful my colleagues voted to reauthorize it today and will continue raising my voice on behalf of these beautiful children until cancer is no longer a threat to their futures.”
“I am pleased to see the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act heading to President Biden’s desk for another five-year reauthorization,” said Rep. Butterfield. “The STAR Act is a critical piece of bipartisan legislation that has provided hope to families in North Carolina and across the country suffering from pediatric cancer. We must continue to fund childhood cancer research and pave the way towards lifesaving pediatric-focused cancer treatments. Reauthorizing the STAR Act will do exactly that, ensuring our young people can lead healthy and full lives.”
“The STAR Act has proven its immense value since it was first passed in 2018," said Rep. Kelly. "Children are 25% of our population, but they are 100% of our future. It’s our duty to fund the research that will protect them in their most vulnerable moments and to ultimately find a cure. I’m grateful that Congress is prioritizing this research and will reauthorize the STAR Act."
“The good news is more and more childhood cancer patients are beating the odds, with the population of survivors estimated to be over half a million people today. But that survival comes with immense care and quality of life challenges for children and their families. Even with cure rates increasing to 85 percent, many childhood cancer survivors must endure ongoing pain, disability, and medical needs,” said Rep. Speier. "The 2018 STAR Act was the most comprehensive bipartisan childhood cancer bill ever signed into law. I’m proud and grateful that Congress will continue building on its life-saving initiatives with the STAR Act reauthorization, and to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that our inspiring childhood cancer survivors not only live, but thrive.”
Background:
Rep. McCaul first introduced the STAR Act in 2015, and it was signed into law in 2018. Since then, it has worked to expand opportunities for childhood cancer research, improve efforts to identify and track childhood cancer incidences, and enhance the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors. The Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act of 2022 will allow programs included in the successful STAR Act to continue for the next five years.
Click here for more detailed information on the STAR Act.
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