Mr. Chairman, thank you for scheduling today's hearing. The panels contain preeminent experts in the field of cancer research. The matters they will discuss are of great importance to public health. Few issues capture our hopes and imaginations as powerfully as the day when cancer will be beaten. I doubt that any of us has not had a friend or member of our family struck by some form of cancer.

One recurring theme among today's witnesses is that clinical research is perhaps the weak link in the fight against cancer. Many of our witnesses' prepared statements make the point that basic research has provided a number of leads that remain unexplored due to shortfalls in the resources devoted to clinical trials. One specific aspect of this issue is the lack of private sector health insurance for the costs of care provided in a clinical trial setting.

In this regard, I want to point out that the Patients' Bill of Rights requires HMO's to pay for clinical trials under carefully delineated circumstances. The alternative version of this legislation sponsored by many of my friends in the majority does not. Here is yet another example of the superiority of our managed care reform bill.

I know this is a hearing on cancer research, but the point made by today's experts is an important one and needs to be emphasized.

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