September 20, 2012

U.S. Representative Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) speaks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in strong support of legislation to advance vital health research. The two bipartisan bills -- the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act of 2012 (H.R. 733) and the National Pediatric Research Network Act of 2012 (H.R. 6163). H.R. 733 supports research of cancers with low survival rates -- such as pancreatic, liver, and esophageal cancers -- by directing the National Cancer Institute to establish a scientific framework to advance diagnosis and treatment. With their unique molecular structure, these cancers spread under the radar of traditional diagnostic tools. When they are eventually diagnosed, the damage is substantial, the treatments are ineffective, and the prognosis is poor. The Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act is an important step in working toward breakthrough advances in cancer research. H.R. 6163 seeks to further research of rare and genetic diseases in infants and children. The legislation allows the National Institutes of Health to fund pediatric research consortium that are formed from cooperating institutions to promote greater research efficiency and collaboration.