Because it is so widespread, virtually every family in America has a relative who has suffered through cancer. My heart goes out to all those families who face this challenge daily.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I strongly support increased funding for medical research that is critical to the prevention and treatment of all diseases. My colleagues and I are committed to funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with a plan to double funding in five years. Last year, the House voted to increase NIH funding by 13% for fiscal year 2002, bringing the total to over $23 billion. With more funding, NIH will be able to continue its research into disease like cancer, with the hope of one day finding a cure for this and many other diseases.

While the House has yet to consider the final version of the FY03 Labor, HHS, Education funding bill, I will continue to use my position on the Appropriations Committee to fight for critical funding increases at NIH.