Statement of Congressman John D. Dingell, Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE MARKUP OF PUBLIC HEALTH LEGISLATION H.R. 1343, H.R. 5669, AND H.R. 1553

May 7, 2008

Today the Committee considers three important public health bills that will increase Federal investments in community health centers, strengthen poison control centers, and improve pediatric cancer research. I commend Subcommittee Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member Deal for their work in moving these bills to the full Committee.

The Committee will also consider a Resolution to proceed to conference with the Senate on H.R. 4040, the “Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act.” I especially thank my friend from Texas, Rep. Barton, for his cooperation on this matter and these three other important bills.

H.R. 1343, the “Health Centers Renewal Act of 2008” renews and strengthens community health centers, which help meet the healthcare needs of those who are medically underserved. I commend Rep. Green, the Subcommittee’s Vice Chair, and Rep. Pickering for their leadership on this important legislation.

The second bill is H.R. 5669, the “Poison Center Support, Enhancement, and Awareness Act of 2008.” This legislation reauthorizes the poison center toll-free number, media campaign, and grant program to assist and sustain poison centers. I note the work of Rep. Towns and Rep. Terry in bringing this bill before us today.

The last bill is H.R. 1553, the “Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008.” Cancer is the leading cause of disease related death among children, and alarmingly the incidence of childhood cancer is increasing. H.R. 1553 strengthens Federal investments in pediatric cancer research and reaffirms our commitment to conquer childhood cancer.

I commend Rep. Solis for her amendment which will ensure that the needs of minority and medically-underserved populations are also addressed when researching pediatric cancer.

I commend the principal sponsors of H.R. 1553, Representative Deborah Pryce, whose late daughter will be memorialized by this bill, and Chris Van Hollen for their dedication to this issue.

Each of these bills enjoys strong, bipartisan support. The final order of business is to approve a Resolution to proceed to conference on H.R. 4040, the “Consumer Protection Modernization Act”. This landmark legislation epitomizes bipartisanship. Supported by major consumer groups, the House passed this legislation in December without a single dissenting vote. Rep. Barton and I will lead the House Conferees in reconciling H.R. 4040 with the Senate’s amendment.