November 23, 2010
The Honorable David Obey
The Honorable Tom Harkin
Chairman
Chairman
Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education
Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education
Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
United States Senate
Washington DC 20515
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Todd Tiahrt
The Honorable Thad Cochran
Ranking Member
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education
Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education
Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20515
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Chairmen and Ranking Members:
The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), the oldest and largest myeloma
foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working
toward prevention and a cure, I am writing to urge you to support the funding proposed in
the fiscal year (FY) 2011 Senate Labor, HHS Appropriations Act (S. 3686) for the
programs on the front line in the fight against cancer.
Federal funding for cancer research and control programs is critical in order to provide all
cancer patients access to comprehensive, quality cancer care. Fighting cancer is a high
priority for most Americans and a FY 2011 omnibus appropriations bill that does not
include the currently proposed funding levels for cancer research and prevention could
have dire consequences. Progress and innovation will be halted should funding be cut for
these programs. IMF strongly urges you support the funding levels proposed in the
Senate Labor, HHS appropriations bill when Congress once again begins its work on FY
2011 funding initiatives as these levels will support the development of new and
improved preventive, detection, and therapeutic tools for all forms of cancer.
Specifically, IMF asks that you include the $32 billion proposed for the National
Institutes of Health, $5.2 billion for the National Cancer Institute, and $5 million for the
Geraldine Ferraro Blood Cancer Program at the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Additionally, a strong Food and Drug Administration is needed to deliver
safe and effective therapies to market. IMF requests that you include $2.5 billion
proposed for the agency in the FY 2011 House Agriculture-FDA Appropriations bill.
12650 Riverside Drive Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607
800-452-CURE (2873)
818-487-7455 telephone 818-487-7454 fax
www.myeloma.org
We recognize the challenges you face in balancing competing budget priorities and thank
you for supporting investments in the nation's cancer research and control programs.
Sincerely,
David Girard
Executive Director
cc:
House LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee
Senate LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
The Honorable Steny Hoyer
The Honorable John Boehner
The Honorable Eric Cantor
The Honorable Harry Reid
The Honorable Richard Durbin
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
The Honorable Jon Kyl
12650 Riverside Drive Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607
800-452-CURE (2873)
818-487-7455 telephone 818-487-7454 fax
www.myeloma.org

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