Does Your Representative Support Blood Cancer Awareness Month?
H. Res. 1433 recognizes September 2010 as Blood Cancer Awareness Month. This resolution highlights the impact blood cancers have in the United States each year and encourages greater support for blood cancer research and education.We need to secure 100 cosponsors before this bill will be considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Currently H. Res. 1433 has 10 cosponsors and we need your help to secure 90 more supporters. Please visit the Advocacy Action Center at advocacy.myeloma.org to write your U.S. Representative and urge him or her to support Blood Cancer Awareness Month by co-sponsoring H. Res. 1433.

Long Stalled Appropriations Process Begins in the House
The appropriations process for the fiscal year (FY) 2011 began in the House this week with mark ups at the Subcommittee level for the various appropriations bills. House Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman David Obey (D-WI) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI) have indicated that they want all bills finalized in their respective Committees by the Congressional Recess Period in August. The FY 2011 Labor-Health and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations bill will be the last funding bill to move through the process due to its size and funding levels. Many of the myeloma research and awareness programs are funded through the LHHS Appropriations bill.

Congressional Recess
The House and Senate will be in recess for the July 4th holiday beginning on July 2nd. Both Chambers will resume legislative business on July 12th.

Are You a Member of the Myeloma Action Network?
Want to stay informed about IMF's advocacy activities? All you need to do is to join the Myeloma Action Network at advocacy.myeloma.org and you will automatically receive e-mail advocacy alerts from the IMF. To learn more about health care reform and other important advocacy issues that impact the myeloma community, please visit the IMF advocacy page at www.myeloma.org.