Each year, there are an estimated 212,600 new cases of breast cancer in the United States.  Because it is so widespread, virtually every family in America has been touched by cancer.  My heart goes out to all those families who face this challenge daily. 

Basic medical research is critical to the prevention and treatment of diseases like breast and cancer.  Congress has placed a high priority over the last few years on funding medical research.  In the past five years, Congress succeeded in doubling the budget of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  This is quite an achievement and a significant step toward providing cutting edge treatments for victims of all diseases.  As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have supported these efforts year in and year out.  With more funding, NIH will be able to continue its ground breaking research, with the hope of one day finding a cure for cancer and many other diseases. 

Early detection is critical to the treatment of breast cancer and mammography plays a key role.  It can mean the difference between life and death.  The House Committee on Energy and Commerce recently approved H.R. 4555, the House version of the bill reauthorizing the Mammography Quality Standards Act through 2007.  I look forward to supporting it when it comes to the House floor for a vote.