Detroit, MI — A key reason why I chose to become a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense is because this subcommittee funds over 80% of all of the federal research into the cure and treatment for all diseases—cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s among them. It is my goal to ensure that Michigan’s health care providers have these vitally needed resources to improve the quality of health for all Michiganders.

As a Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, I have secured over $37 million for health care for the citizens of Michigan. This total includes $4.7 million to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute for cancer research; $7.5 million to the Henry Ford Health System for the treatment and cure of diabetes; $2 million to the Detroit Medical Center to renovate the physical therapy and rehabilitation unit; and over $900,000 to the Detroit Health Department for preventive health and community health centers.  I also fought to ensure that the federal government included African Americans for innovative research through the Karmanos Cancer Institute. 

Earlier this week, I hosted a breast cancer forum to highlight local efforts to raise awareness, promote early detection, and find a cure. I invited my friend and colleague Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20), a breast cancer survivor, to come and share her story. Other speakers discussed the impact of technology on early detection of breast cancer and advances in cancer research, many of which have been made possible because of federal funding.

Cancer is a disease that affects many people. I lost my mother and an aunt to cancer. I will continue working to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families, to support cancer research, and to help find a cure for this disease.