Lower Bucks Today

U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Kelly, Debbie Dingell, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz have announced the relaunch of the House Cancer Caucus for the 119th Congress. The bipartisan group aims to intensify efforts in cancer research, treatment innovation, and support for affected families.

Rep. Fitzpatrick stated, "I am proud to continue serving as Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus alongside a bipartisan group of lawmakers united in our commitment to this vital mission—a fight that is deeply personal for me." He emphasized past achievements in securing federal funding and championing legislation but noted that more work remains.

Rep. Kelly expressed his honor to serve as co-chair again and highlighted plans to secure funding for research and promote new treatments. "There remains much work to do," he said.

"Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States," Rep. Dingell pointed out, expressing her pride in working across party lines to support cancer-related initiatives.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz shared her personal connection as a breast cancer survivor: "For me, the fight against cancer is as personal as it is professional."

The re-launch comes amid recent successes like the FDA's ban on Red Dye No. 3, an effort supported by the Caucus. Despite progress, significant challenges remain with projections indicating over 2 million new diagnoses and more than 618,000 deaths from cancer in 2025.

Key priorities include expanding research funding through organizations like NIH and NCI, accelerating treatment pathways via streamlined regulations, and supporting survivors and their families facing various challenges post-diagnosis.

The Congressional Cancer Caucus remains committed to eliminating cancer as a public health threat by advocating legislative solutions and ensuring access to effective treatments for all Americans.