National Brain Tumor Society - Public Policy and Advocacy Update
Vol. 2. No. 7
July 26, 2012
- NIH Appropriations – Keep up the pressure
- FDA Reform Bill Passes – Thank your legislators
- August Congressional Recess – Take action at home
- July Advocate of the Month
NIH Appropriations
On July 18, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education approved its FY 2013 appropriations bill, which includes funding for the largest funder of brain tumor research in the country, the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As passed, the bill provides $30.6 billion in funding for NIH, which unfortunately is the same amount as FY 2012. In addition, it decreased the National Cancer Institute’s budget by about $2 million. As you know, the National Brain Tumor Society, along with our partner organizations in the One Voice Against Cancer Coalition, has asked Congress for an increase in NIH funding to $32.7 billion, with a commensurate increase for the National Cancer Institute to $5.36 billion, in order to support critical research.
The next step in this process lies with the full House Appropriations Committee and the leadership of the House of Representatives. Now, we must speak up to let Members of Congress know their commitment to increased funding for NIH is critical to the search for new brain tumor therapies and, ultimately, a cure. Please take one minute today to contact your legislators.
FDA Reform Bill Passes
On July 9, President Obama signed the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, also called the FDA reform bill, which reauthorizes the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA). This critical piece of legislation included several provisions of importance to our community, including:
- The creation of an all-hands-on-deck approach to the approval process for drugs aimed at treating life-threatening diseases
- Incentives for conducting studies of how adult anti-cancer medications would impact children
- An option for the FDA to reduce the length of the drug approval process for certain rare pediatric diseases, including brain tumors
For more details on this legislation and its impact on the brain tumor community, please see our summary and analysis.
The brain tumor community advocated for this legislation, along with many of our allies in the fight against cancer and other deadly diseases. Please take a moment to thank your Members of Congress who supported these important provisions, which are now law.
August Congressional Recess
During the month of August, Members of Congress will be in their home districts – conducting public appearances, holding town halls, and meeting with constituents. This is an opportunity for you and all brain tumor advocates across the country to take action – ask your Members of Congress to support efforts to strengthen research, advance therapies, and improve health care. Help bring our message to your legislators and your community today.
Our Advocacy Toolbox has ideas for sharing your story and tips for calling, writing to, or speaking with your elected officials. We are here to help you. Please review the toolbox and feel free to contact Jennifer Lemmerman (jlemmerman@braintumor.org, 617-393-2862) with any questions you have. If you plan to engage in any of these activities, please let us know and keep us posted on how it went.
July Advocate of the Month - Adrienne Wilk
This month, we would like to introduce you to Adrienne Wilk, a resident of Clarksville, Tennessee, she is committed to raising awareness of the critical brain tumor issues – in her own community, in her family’s hometown in Pennsylvania, and in Washington, DC. Adrienne joined us for Head to the Hill in May, organized the very successful Bob Bard 5K community event in Pennsylvania to honor her father, and recently traveled with us to Washington, DC to participate in the One Voice Against Cancer advocacy day. Thank you, Adrienne, for your support of National Brain Tumor Society, and for your incredible dedication to the brain tumor community!
Thank you,
David F. Arons, J.D.
Director of Public Policy
darons@braintumor.org
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